French Cheese: Wine Pairing

French Cheeses come in a wide variety, with different flavours, textures and ingredients. Cheese being a staple food in French diets, and alike wine, their cheeses are under a certification (Appellation d’Origine Protégé). The cheese board or 'Fromage ou dessert', is typically eaten after the main meal. Whether your cheese board has Brie, Camembert, or Roquefort on, we have found some wines best suited to pair with your final course. 

Brie

Brie is a soft cheese, which originated from south east Paris. The two types of brie are Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun, which are named after towns that are near each other. Due to brie being a soft, creamy cheese, wine pairings have to be careful not to overpower the delicate flavours.

Chardonnay and fruity dry rose are the best pairings for brie, because of the flavours and medium acidity, which does not affect the flavour of the cheese. 

Camembert

Camembert is a soft cheese, which originated in Normandy, being one of France's most popular cheeses. The young Camembert is a lot harder and holds less flavour, compared to an older, more yellow skinned Camembert. Pairings can be difficult for this cheese as the tastes vary based upon the age of the cheese.

Champagne and Cremant are the best pairings for Camembert because of the high acidity and carbonation, which cleanses the palate from this soft cheese. 

Roquefort

Roquefort is France's most famous blue cheese, which originated in the south of France. This is a sheep's cheese which holds strong flavours.

Full-bodied wines, such as Bordeaux and some Languedoc wines pair best because they empower the flavours of the cheese with the slightly fruity notes.

Epoisses

Epoisses is a soft cheese from Burgundy, which is thicker than Camembert and is made from unpasteurised milk. This cheese holds strong aromas and flavours.

Burgundy reds pair best with Epoisses because of the rich flavours and bold aromas, which contrast the flavours of the cheese.

Mixed Cheese Board Wines

A mixed cheese board can be a lot more difficult to pair wines with, because of the wide variety of possible flavours. However, we have selected some wines which will empower your 'Fromage ou dessert'.

Sweet white wines do not go well with cheeses, a sweet and sour combination, because of the huge contrast in flavours. Mostly red wines go well with cheese selections, however, it is best to choose one with less body if strong cheeses are to be selected for your cheese board.