10 Cheese Pairings That Go Perfectly with Natural Wine

Pairing natural wine with cheese is one of life’s simple pleasures. The earthy, vibrant flavours of natural wines can complement a wide variety of cheeses, creating a balance of textures and flavours that dance together on your palate. But with so many types of cheese and natural wines to choose from, where do you begin? We’ve put together a list of 10 fantastic cheese pairings with natural wines, so whether you’re hosting a tasting or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, you’ll have some expert guidance to elevate your experience.

1. Fresh Goat’s Cheese with Pét-Nat

Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) is a naturally sparkling wine that’s fresh, crisp, and lightly effervescent. Its bright acidity and fizzy bubbles pair wonderfully with the tangy, creamy texture of fresh goat’s cheese. The lively effervescence of Pét-Nat cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for a summer afternoon.

Cheese: Fresh Goat’s Cheese
Wine: Pét-Nat

2. Brie de Meaux with Chardonnay

A soft, creamy Brie de Meaux with its delicate flavours of butter and earthy richness pairs beautifully with a natural, unoaked Chardonnay. The freshness and subtle fruitiness of the Chardonnay cut through the creamy texture of the cheese, while both have a complementary smoothness that creates a perfect balance.

Cheese: Brie de Meaux
Wine: Unoaked Chardonnay

3. Manchego with Tempranillo

The nutty, slightly tangy flavour of Manchego is an ideal match for the bold, structured profile of a natural Tempranillo. This Spanish wine’s berry notes and firm tannins play off the rich, salty flavours of Manchego, creating a harmonious pairing with a touch of rustic charm.

Cheese: Manchego
Wine: Tempranillo (especially from Spain)

4. Aged Comté with Pinot Noir

Aged Comté, with its nutty and savoury complexity, pairs beautifully with the soft, red fruit notes of a Pinot Noir. The wine’s delicate tannins and bright acidity complement the rich, crystallised texture of the cheese, while the combination feels indulgent and balanced.

Cheese: Aged Comté
Wine: Pinot Noir

5. Gorgonzola with Riesling

The bold, blue veins of Gorgonzola bring an intense, savoury punch, while the crisp, aromatic notes of a natural Rieslingprovide a light, fruity contrast. The slight sweetness and high acidity of Riesling cut through the saltiness and tang of Gorgonzola, balancing the pairing beautifully.

Cheese: Gorgonzola
Wine: Riesling (especially one with a touch of sweetness)

6. Gruyère with Sauvignon Blanc

Gruyère is a firm cheese with a rich, nutty profile and hints of caramel. Paired with a zesty, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, the bright acidity and grassy notes of the wine balance the cheese’s richness. This combination works well with dishes like fondue or a classic cheese board.

Cheese: Gruyère
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc

7. Camembert with Chardonnay

A soft, creamy Camembert cheese is known for its earthy, buttery richness. Paired with a well-balanced, natural Chardonnay, especially one with a touch of oak, the pairing elevates the creaminess of the cheese while offering a counterpoint of ripe fruit and subtle spice.

Cheese: Camembert
Wine: Chardonnay (with a hint of oak)

8. Cheddar with Cidre (Apple Cider)

While not a traditional wine, Cidre is a natural product that pairs wonderfully with Cheddar, particularly sharp or aged Cheddar. The crisp, refreshing acidity of the cider balances the richness and sharpness of the cheese, creating a wonderful contrast that enhances both flavours.

Cheese: Aged Cheddar
Drink: Cidre (Apple Cider)

9. Blue Cheese with Sauternes

For those who enjoy a decadent pairing, blue cheese (think Stilton or Roquefort) and the luxurious sweetness of Sauternes create a match made in heaven. The creamy, salty richness of the blue cheese is beautifully offset by the honeyed sweetness and acidity of the wine, making this pairing ideal for a special occasion or as a showstopper for a cheese board.

Cheese: Blue Cheese (Stilton, Roquefort)
Wine: Sauternes

10. Feta with Grenache

A briny, tangy Feta cheese pairs wonderfully with the juicy, berry-driven profile of a Grenache. The wine’s medium body and soft tannins complement the crumbly texture and bright acidity of the feta, making it a refreshing and satisfying pairing, especially for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Cheese: Feta
Wine: Grenache

How to Serve Your Cheese and Wine Pairings

To get the most out of your cheese and natural wine pairings, here are a few tips:

1. Room Temperature: Bring your cheese to room temperature before serving—it enhances the flavours and makes the texture more enjoyable.
2. Cheese Variety: Try a mix of textures (soft, hard, creamy, blue) and flavours (mild, tangy, salty) to keep the tasting interesting.
3. Wine Temperature: Serve natural wines at their optimal temperature. Whites are generally best chilled (around 10-12°C), while reds should be slightly cooler than room temperature (around 14-16°C).
4. Pairing Flexibility: While certain cheeses and wines go together wonderfully, don’t be afraid to experiment. Natural wine is all about diversity, and part of the fun is discovering unexpected pairings!

Whether you’re hosting a tasting party, enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, or simply indulging in your favourite cheeses, these pairings will help you find new and exciting ways to enjoy the best of both worlds. So grab your favourite bottle of natural wine, pick up some cheese, and start experimenting with these mouthwatering combinations!