Wines for Cheeses, Cold Cuts and Charcuterie
Wine Pairing Guide
The Art of the Board: Wine Pairing for Cheeses and Cold Cuts
A board of cheeses, cold cuts, and charcuterie brings together very distinct flavors—fatty, salty, cured, creamy, and smoky—so there isn't one single perfect wine, but rather different combinations depending on the dominant elements on the board. In general, white wines with good acidity cut through the fat of goat cheese and cured meats, while a Brut sparkling wine cleanses the palate between appetizers. For intensely flavored cured meats like Iberian ham or salami, a medium-bodied red wine is an excellent alternative.
At the online wine store La Cava Shop, we have compiled a guide to red wines, dry white wines, rosé wines, and sparkling wines from our entire catalog, with shipping throughout Mexico, designed to accompany varied boards of cold cuts and fine cheeses.
Quick Pairing Guide by Cheese and Charcuterie Type
- Fresh, soft, and goat cheeses: Young white wines with high fresh acidity (like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño).
- Cured, mature, and aged cheeses (Manchego, Parmesan, Gouda): Red wines aged in oak barrels (Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rioja) that support the fatty intensity of the cheese.
- Serrano ham, Iberian ham, and cured sausages: Brut Nature sparkling wines (Prosecco, Cava) or medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Syrah.
- Blue and strong cheeses (Roquefort, Gorgonzola): Sweet wines, Port wine, or late harvest wines, which contrast wonderfully with the saltiness and pungency of the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pairing with Cheeses and Charcuterie
Is it true that red wine always goes well with cheese?
Not necessarily. Many fresh, creamy, or soft cheeses clash with the tannin of a powerful red wine; in such cases, a white wine with good acidity or even a sparkling wine often works better for pairing cheeses than a robust red.
How to assemble a balanced cheese and cold cuts board to accompany several wines?
Combine at least one soft or creamy cheese, one mature cured cheese, and one blue cheese, along with a cured sausage like serrano ham or prosciutto. This way, you can try different red, white, and sparkling wines from the guide and see which one enhances each charcuterie product the most.