Looking for a goat cheese wine pairing?
Keep it simple: Lighter cheeses, lighter wines. Done.
Actually, goat cheese, or chevre, is one of the few cheeses I always keep on hand for last-minute guests who come by for lazy afternoons and wine. Whites, rosé wines, and lighter reds all pair beautifully with goat cheese.
Here are a few goat cheese wine pairing ideas to get you started.
Light Red Wines to Pair with Goat Cheese
Pinot Noir
- Pinot Noir Origin: Coastal California, Burgundy, Coastal Oregon, and Southern Alps of New Zealand.
- Flavor Profile: Thin-skinned grape, low to medium tannin levels, red-fruit wines with hints of cinnamon, warm baking spice, and earthy or mushroom qualities in aged Pinots.
- Style: Can vary from light to heavier styles.
- Price Range: Widely available across price points.
Gamay
- Gamay Origin: Burgundy, France.
- Flavor Profile: Light, uncomplicated red wine with red cherry, red berry, bubblegum, cinnamon, and banana notes.
- Style: Light with low to medium tannins, medium alcohol levels.
- Price Range: Easy to find, mid- to premium-priced.
Schiava
- Origin: Trentino-Alto Adige region of Northern Italy.
- Flavor Profile: Red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry with a delicate almond finish, mild tannin and acidity.
- Style: Light-bodied.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, somewhat difficult to find.
Brachetto
- Origin: Piedmont, Italy.
- Flavor Profile: Slightly fizzy, sweet, taste of roses and strawberries.
- Style: Aromatic, light red grape.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, somewhat difficult to find.
Frappato
- Origin: Sicily.
- Flavor Profile: Wild strawberries, floral notes, light to medium body, and medium acidity.
- Style: Light red grape, often used in blends.
- Price Range: Upper-end of mid-priced, somewhat difficult to find.
Lambrusco
- Origin: Emilia region, Italy.
- Flavor Profile: Strawberries, cherries, plum, blackberry, citrus, and floral notes.
- Style: Light red, sweet sparkling wine.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, easy to find.
Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Franc Origin: Bordeaux (France), Loire Valley (France), Ontario (Canada), Napa Valley (California, USA).
- Flavor Profile: Elegant and medium-bodied with red fruit flavors such as raspberry, red currant, and a hint of green bell pepper or herbaceousness.
- Style: Versatile, from light and fruity to structured and complex.
- Price Range: Affordable to mid-priced, with a range of options to suit different budgets.
Grignolino
- Origin: Piedmont region of Italy.
- Flavor Profile: Light-bodied, pale red wines with strong acid, red cherry, strawberry, wild rose, and white pepper notes.
- Style: Light red grape with more tannins due to seeds.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, difficult to find.
Zweigelt
- Origin: Austria.
- Flavor Profile: Fresh red fruit flavors like cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, with a slightly peppery finish.
- Style: Light body, medium alcohol, bright red wine.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, hard to find.
White Wines to Pair with Goat Cheese
Sauvignon Blanc
- Sauvignon Blanc Origin: Regions like Marlborough (New Zealand), Loire Valley (France), and Napa Valley (California).
- Flavor Profile: Zesty and vibrant with notes of citrus, green apple, and fresh herbs.
- Style: Crisp, light-bodied.
- Price Range: Widely available across price points.
Chardonnay (Chablis, Oaked, Unoaked)
- Chardonnay Origin: Burgundy (France), Napa Valley (California), Margaret River (Australia).
- Flavor Profile: Versatile with a range of flavors from green apple and citrus to buttery and oaky.
- Style: Varies from unoaked and fresh to rich and full-bodied.
- Price Range: Easy to find, ranging from affordable to premium.
Pinot Grigio
- Pinot Grigio Origin: Northern Italy, Oregon (USA), Alsace (France).
- Flavor Profile: Light and crisp with hints of green apple, pear, and citrus.
- Style: Refreshing, light-bodied.
- Price Range: Affordable to mid-priced, widely available.
Riesling
- Riesling Origin: Germany, Alsace (France), Finger Lakes (New York, USA).
- Flavor Profile: Sweet to dry, with aromas of apricot, peach, honey, and floral notes.
- Style: Versatile, ranging from sweet dessert wines to dry table wines.
- Price Range: Varied, with options from inexpensive to premium.
Gruner Veltliner
- Origin: Austria.
- Flavor Profile: Crisp and spicy with green apple, white pepper, and citrus flavors.
- Style: Dry, light to medium-bodied.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, somewhat difficult to find.
Vermentino
- Vermentino Origin: Coastal regions of Italy (Sardinia, Tuscany), Southern France.
- Flavor Profile: Fresh and aromatic with notes of citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality.
- Style: Crisp, light-bodied.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, somewhat difficult to find.
Chenin Blanc
- Chenin Blanc Origin: Loire Valley (France), South Africa, California (USA).
- Flavor Profile: Varies from dry to sweet, with flavors of green apple, pear, and honey.
- Style: Versatile, ranging from sparkling to dessert wines.
- Price Range: Affordable to mid-priced, depending on the style.
Albariño
- Albarino Origin: Rias Baixas (Spain), Vinho Verde (Portugal).
- Flavor Profile: Crisp and refreshing with notes of peach, citrus, and floral aromas.
- Style: Dry, light to medium-bodied.
- Price Range: Mid-priced, widely available.
Viognier
- Viognier Origin: Rhône Valley (France), California (USA), Australia.
- Flavor Profile: Aromatic and floral, with flavors of stone fruits like peach and apricot.
- Style: Rich, full-bodied.
- Price Range: Mid to premium-priced, available in select wine shops.
Final Thoughts: Goat Cheese and Wine Pairing Ideas to Get Started
When pairing goat cheese with wine, focus on acidity and weight. Lighter wines with higher acidity are excellent companions for goat cheese. Their lively and zesty nature complements the creamy and tangy qualities of the cheese, resulting in a delightful interplay of flavors.
Wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño, known for their bright acidity, cut through the richness of the cheese, enhancing its distinct taste. Strive for a balance, ensuring neither the wine nor the goat cheese overpowers the other. This creates a perfect culinary pairing that both wine and cheese enthusiasts can enjoy.
Thirsty for More?
Here’s a list of big red wines, that will work with big, bold cheeses.
Check out this list of cold appetizers for red wines for your next event.
Discover: Red Wine Pairing Guide (for all the other reds in your cellar).
