Cheeses to Wine With!

Our tasting experiences here at Fortunati always pair a variety of cheeses and nibbles with our artisanal wines. Wine has such a profound effect on food flavors, we love to delve into the ways wine enhances food-from complex dinners to casual nibbles.

We are often asked for our cheese suggestions to complement our wines—sometimes while someone is standing in the deli section of their market, trying to find that perfect selection!  While we're always happy to serve as a Wine & Cheese "Crisis Hotline", we thought we'd list some of our suggestions right on our website, in case we can't answer the phone right away! We've chosen a variety of cheeses that complement our wines deliciously, hoping that no matter where someone might be, they may find something available locally.  Here are some of our suggestions for delicious pairings to showcase and highlight the flavors of both wines and cheese.  And remember, there's no wrong way to enjoy wines with cheese!

Oh, and the best cracker? Keep it simple to let the flavors of the wines and cheese shine!

What cheeses should we nibble with...?

White Wines

Chardonnay

Traditionally paired with triple cream bries, we also like the buttery tastes of alpines, lightly herbed mild goats and tommes. Try:
Asiago, Bel Paese, Comte, Mild Feta, Fontina, Mild Goat, Gruyere, Havarti, Jack, Mozzarella, Teleme, Triple Crème Brie

Viognier

A very food-friendly cheese, Viognier works with just about everything, some of our favorites: 
Aged Gouda, Honey Goat, Jarlsberg, White Stilton with Apricots, Sweet Crème

Rosé

We suggest buttery, mild cheeses, which will be brightened by the lively flavors of our Rosé:
Asiago, Brie, Camembert, Comté, Fontina, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Jarlsberg, Oaxaca, Parmesan, Teleme, Baby Swiss

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon

This heartier yet subtle red has sophisticated flavors and complexity on the palate. Aged cheeses, washed rinds and bold flavors work well with this wine:
Bleu, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Aged Gouda, Sharp Cheddar, Stilton, Feta

Fortivo (Bordeaux Blend)

Our hearty blend is meant to go well with any cheese that has a strong presence. Enjoy:
Bleu, Sharp Cheddar, Cambozola, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Aged Gouda, Stilton

Malbec

Lush, juicy and heady, Malbec highlights deep, robust flavors of vintage and aged cheeses:
Bleu, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Aged Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Stilton, Taleggio

Pinot Noir

Pinot is well known as a food-friendly wine and pairs well with just about everything! Try:
Triple Crème Brie with Mushrooms, Edam, Fontina, Goat, Gruyere, Jack, Raclette, Roquefort, Baby Swiss, Taleggio

Syrah (Rhone Blend)

Rich, full-bodied, and with a touch of earthiness and a long finish, pairing this wine with cheese may be the most challenging-and most rewarding! Seek bigger flavors that aren't overwhelming:
Comté, Manchego, Muenster, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Asiago, Jarlsberg, Pepper Jack, Toscano

Zinfandel

With it's subtle favors and spicy tones, Zin pairs with washed rinds, spicy and sharp cheeses:
Aged Goat, Aged Gouda, Bleu Castello, Comte, Havarti, Dry Jack, Manchego, Sharp Cheddar

Sweet Dessert (Port-style)

Bleu cheeses are wonderful!  Try washed rinds and super-aged cheeses. Enjoy:
Cambozola, Bleu, Stilton and Chocolate Neufchâtel