Wine and Cheese Pairings

Cheddar cheeses are very wine friendly. When pairing a glass of wine with a cheese, don’t over think it too much. There aren’t really any pairings that don’t work, especially with Cabot cheeses, since they’re all made with high quality ingredients. Enjoy some pairing tips, suggestions and even ideas for planning the perfect party.

Pairing Suggestions:

If you’re looking for a few wine and cheese ideas, remember the basic rule: the stronger the wine, the stronger the cheese. For example, if you’re sampling a particularly heavy red wine like a cabernet sauvignon or a pinot noir, pair the wine with a strong cheese, like Cabot’s Vintage Choice Cheddar or even some Clothbound Cheddar. Although, as we said before, there really isn’t a wrong way to pair wine and cheese!

Other Pairings:

White Wine & Young = Creamy Cheeses
Try our Private Stock

Red Wine & Strong = Aged Cheeses
Try our Vintage Choice Cheddar

Off-Dry White Wines = Spicy Cheeses
Try our Hot Habanero Cheddar

Light Bodied Wines = Light Cheeses
Try our Garlic & Dill

Full Bodied Wines = Heavier Cheeses
Try our New York Extra Sharp

It’s most important to find the right cheese that highlights your wine of choice and fits with your particular taste. Click on the different wine varieties below to learn more.

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Red Wines

Red wines complement so many of Cabot's recipes, from the elegant like this one for Beef Stroganoff with Greek Yogurt to more casual comfort food like this Beer Braised Short Ribs Stew with Root Vegetables.

It also pairs well with appetizers like our Spicy Pork and Cheddar Empanadas or Mini Pork Cheddar Meatballs with Guacamole.

Cabernet Sauvignon

A bold wine needs an equally bold cheese to pair with it. The full-bodied qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon will enhance the larger flavors of less timid cheeses. And of course, the classic with steak or any beef dish. For a medium-bodied wine that's ideal barbecued meats, hearty stews and pasta with marinara sauce, try Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon. It's also excellent with Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Wine Characteristics: Full bodied, hints of black fruit and herbs, dry
Cheese Pairings: New York Extra Sharp, Private Stock, Reserve Aged, Horseradish, Extra Sharp

Merlot

The dry and dark fruity or herbal characteristics of a classic Merlot combine seamlessly with sharp and tangy cheeses. Also try with lamb, pork or grilled sausages. Bota Box Merlot is a great choice for roast pork, grilled chicken and pizza.

Wine Characteristics: Medium to full bodied, plum, black cherry, herb, black tea, dry
Cheese Pairings: Vermont Sharp, Garlic & Herb, Sharp Light

Malbec

Malbec, made from strong, fruity, dark grapes, stands tall against the deep and robust flavors of vintage and reserve cheeses. Also pair with beef or Latin dishes. If you enjoy spicy Mexican, Cajun or Indian food, you'll love how Bota Box's Malbec enhances the flavors of these dishes.

Wine Characteristics: Medium to full bodied, intense black fruit, anise, herbs
Cheese Pairings: Artisan Reserve, Private Stock, Vintage Choice

Zinfandel

Versatile Zinfandel with blackberry and peppery qualities make it a go-to choice for a taste adventure when paired with seriously sharp and spicy cheeses. Also try with a classic New York-style pizza or Texas chili. When you need a perfect partner for roasted pork tenderloin or grilled burgers, you can't go wrong with Bota Box's Old Vine Zinfandel.

Wine Characteristics: Medium to full bodied, blackberry jam, black pepper, dry
Cheese Pairings: Seriously Sharp, Hot Buffalo Wing, Jalapeño Light

Pinot Noir

An earthier Pinot Noir compliments the classic characteristics of aged cheeses and even plays nicely with herbed cheese varieties. Also try with grilled salmon, lamb or hearty braised chicken dishes. Looking for a Pinot Noir to pair with turkey burgers or baked ziti? Try Bota Box's medium-bodied Pinot Noir, featuring flavors of strawberry and cherry with subtle hints of oak. This wine is also great paired with Cabot Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Wine Characteristics: Light to medium bodied, red fruit, earthy, brown spice, dry
Cheese Pairings: Sharp Extra Light, Vermont Sharp, Garlic & Herb, Vintage Choice

Sangiovese & Chianti

Why not pair an Italian wine with cheeses that embrace the flavors of Tuscany? Generally, wines and foods from the same region tend to be a perfect match. Also try with chicken or eggplant Parmesan or any pasta with red sauce.

Wine Characteristics: Medium bodied, plum, cherry, smoky, dry
Cheese Pairings: Garlic & Herb, Tomato Basil, Tuscan

Red Blend

Medium-bodied red blends and table wines are like a little black dress - you can dress them up or down with a range of flavors. Try them with sharp or smoky cheeses. Also try with casual fare such as tacos, burgers, pizza or macaroni and cheese. Bota Box's Nighthawk Black is a full-bodied red blend made by Bota Box that pairs nicely with a range of dishes, including baked rigatoni and spicy sausage, as well as Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese.

Wine Characteristics: Medium bodied, black and red fruits, spices & herbs, dry to slightly off dry
Cheese Pairings: Extra Sharp, Seriously Sharp, Smoky Bacon

Syrah

An intense, dry Syrah loves the sturdiness of a cheese of sharper, aged cheeses. Earthly flavors in both wine and cheeses make for a savory combination. Also try with an earthy beef stew or game.

Wine Characteristics: Medium to full bodied, smoky, intense black fruit, peppery, dry
Cheese Pairings: Private Stock, Vintage Choice, New York Extra Sharp

White Wines

We all know that a tasty chicken dish calls for a fine white wine. We love to serve a chilled Chardonnay with this Cabot favorite - Chicken with Creamy Cheddar Rice. And what better pairing is there than fresh seafood with a great white wine. Try this delightful recipe for Crab Cakes with Horseradish Cheddar served with your favorite white wine for a delightful dining experience. Or for an appetizer that will surely impress your guests, try Cabot Seriously Sharp Shrimp Focaccia served with a dry white wine.

Chardonnay

A fresh and fruity Chardonnay is a heavenly match for milder cheese varieties, enhancing the creaminess of a Mild Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese with just the right whisper of sweet. Also try with crab cakes, seafood, poultry and salads.

Wine Characteristics: Medium bodied, apples, pears, toasty, dry
Cheese Pairings: Mild Cheddar, Colby Jack

Sauvignon Blanc

A bright, light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with hints of citrus will never overpower the freshness and milder qualities of a Monterey Jack nor get lost in the more complex flavors of an herbed cheese. Also try with oysters on the half-shell, flaky white fish or quiche.

Wine Characteristics: Light bodied, citrus, grassy, crisp, dry
Cheese Pairings: Garlic & Herb, Monterey Jack

Pinot Grigio

The higher acidity of a Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with creamy, milder cheeses, gently cleansing the palate to let the cheese rise to the top. Also try with a ham and cheese melt or seafood risotto.

Wine Characteristics: Light bodied, pears, melons, refreshing, dry
Cheese Pairings: Mild, Tuscan

Moscato

The playful sweet and fruity flavors of a Moscato flirts with smooth and flavorful cheeses and will put a smile on your face when paired with spicier cheese favorites. Also try with fresh fruit or spicy ethnic cuisine such as Indian, Latin or Thai.

Wine Charactersistics: Light bodied, orange blossom, lemon zest, aromatic, off dry
Cheese Pairings: Muenster, Pepper Jack

Riesling

The combination of acid, sugars and fruit of a Riesling nicely offset zestier, spicier cheeses. A refreshing combination. Also try with sushi.

Wine Characteristics: Light bodied, Stone Fruits, Peach Blossoms, Delicate, off Dry
Cheese Pairings: Habanero, Smoky Bacon

White Blend

Try a bright white blend with more complex and flavorful foods. These wines have the table manners to sit back and let spicier cheeses take center stage. Also try with white fish such as sea bass, sole or cod, chicken or pork.

Wine Characteristics: Medium bodied, layers of white fruits, crisp and bright
Cheese Pairing: Pepper Jack, Pepper Jack Light, Tomato Basil

Sparkling & Champagne

A dry to off-dry sparkling wine or Champagne is delightful with just about anything. Actually, we can't think of a thing these bubblies don't love. Also try with ... popcorn or potato chips!

Wine Characteristics: Light to medium bodied, apples, citrus, toasty / creamy, dry to off dry
Cheese Pairings: Muenster, Monterey Jack

Rose Wines

Grilling season is the perfect time to serve rose wine. The warmer temperatures invite the light, cool taste found in many roses. You can't go wrong when you pair them with lighter dishes like this Fresh Grape and Cheddar Salad with Grape-Yogurt Dressing or this Jicama, Avocado and Cabot Cheddar Salad with Lime Dressing. And nothing goes better with a dry rose than a rich - and thoroughly comforting - grilled cheese like this Ver-monte Cristo Sandwich.

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Sweet Rosé

The sugars in a sweet rose are the perfect complement to full-flavored or spicy cheeses. Also try with spicy barbeque or ethnic dishes.

Wine Characteristics: Light bodied, strawberries, watermelon, creamy, off dry
Cheese Pairings: Habanero, Colby Jack

Dry Rosé

The bright, fruit flavors and acidity in a drier rose makes it a versatile pairing choice for mild or slightly sweet cheeses. Also try with a buttery, flavorful grilled cheese, classic Cubano or panini sandwich or lobster roll.

Wine Characteristics: Light to medium bodied, raspberries, cherries, dry
Cheese Pairings: Tomato Basil, Mild

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A lovely red zinfandel is a perfect complement to the creamy, deep flavor of Cabot's Monterey Jack. The pairing is a little unconventional, a little unexpected and a little bit of perfection with some summer strawberries. I love going a bit against the grain and choosing this mellow, subtle cheese certainly paid off, and the strawberries added a little sweet zing.

-'Farmer-Owner', Jenni Tilton Flood from Flood Brothers Farm in Clinton Maine