Ein Abend mit Käse und Wein Chez-Toi

We love hosting wine pairing evenings, so much so we now offer to visit our subscribers with their budboxes to talk through their wines of the month if they have a special occasion coming up. (email us if you want to find out more!)

If, over the winter, you're planning your own cheese and wine pairing, we thought we'd put together some ideas, to help you plan your evening! If you have any more questions, then reach out to our customer services team on our live chat for more information or guidance. 

1. Tête de Moine and Chardonnay

Tête de Moine is a famous creamy and nutty cheese from Switzerland, meaning 'head of the monk' as it used to be made in a monastry.  The famous Swiss cheese  s mild and you can pair it with a glass of buttery Chardonnay from Burgundy. 

2. Gruyère and Sauvignon Blanc

Gruyère, another Swiss gem, offers a savory and slightly sweet profile. We recommend trying with a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, or from Marlborough, in New Zealand. This varietal can often have a zesty acidity and herbaceous qualities accentuate the nutty and earthy flavours of Gruyère.

3. Vacherin Mont d'Or and Palo Cortado 

For me, Mont d'Or = winter and christmas. The cheese is only released for sale from September, establishing it as a hallmark autumnal / winter treat, the cows come down from the summer in the mountains. It's such a strong flavour and smell, thanks to the cheese being wrapped in wood from fir trees, we recommend trying this with a sherry such as Palo Cortado, they share a similar complexity fo flavours. 

3. Camembert and Champagne

This sounds a bit strange but soft and creamy Camembert, is great paired with with a glass of Champagne. The sparkling wine's effervescence cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast that elevates both flavors.

4. Roquefort and Sauternes

Roquefort has beautiful tangy rich and decadent flavours, so we're looking for a wine that has sweetness and acidity at the same time. We really recommend a sweet wine such as a Sauternes, from Bordeaux in France or a Mullineux Straw Wine from South Africa! 

5. Manchego and Rioja

Travel to Spain with Manchego cheese, a firm and nutty delight. Pair it with a glass of Rioja, a classic Spanish red wine. The wine's red fruit flavors and subtle oak influence enhance the nuttiness of Manchego, creating a satisfying combination.

6. Parmigiano-Reggiano and Barolo

Parmigiano-Reggiano, the Italian king of cheeses, offers a unami and salty character. Pair it with a robust Barolo wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. The wine's powerful tannins and dark fruit notes stand up to the cheese's intensity, creating a bold and memorable pairing.

7. Brie and Pinot Noir

Brie, a soft and creamy French cheese with a mild, buttery flavor, pairs wonderfully with Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France. The wine's red berry notes and silky texture complement the gentle creaminess of Brie.

8. Dutch Gouda and Riesling

We love aged gouda (if you live in Geneva we highly recommn venturing to the Leclerce in Ville Le Grande for their deli aged gouda! It's nutty, rich and sweet, and would pair beautifully with a German Riesling. The wine's bright acidity and fruitiness enhance the cheese's sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.