We’ve all heard plenty of wine and cheese pairings of late (ahem), but did you know Champagne (and fizz) can lend itself to cheese too? That’s because Champagne offers freshness and helps intensify the complexity of flavours thanks to its length of time in the cellars. The bubbles and acidity can cut through the oil of the cheese-making it a perfect companion to Fromage.
Cheese and fizz lovers, here’s our pick of some of the great pairings out there.
Graham Beck Pinot Noir Vintage Rosé 2015 – Pinot Noir/Chardonnay
Pairing: Rosé champagne and sparkling wine works incredibly well with Brie de Meaux and not too strong, creamy goats’ cheese.
Price: £24.95
How to Buy: North and South Wines, Simply Wines Direct, Philglas & Swiggot
Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve NV
Pairing: Taittinger Brut Non-vintage with Parmesan is a match made in heaven. Experts consider Parmesan as the ultimate champagne cheese – a case of umami meets umami.
Price: £41.50
How to Buy: Available from all major supermarkets and www.champagnedirect.co.uk; www.thechampagnecompany.com
FIOL Rosé Prosecco
Pairings: FIOL Rose Prosecco, awarded Double Gold at The Drinks Business Prosecco Masters 2021 and Berliner Wine Trophy, goes hand-in-hand with a few kinds of cheese, including Classico Latteria, Asiago and Montasio mezzano.
Price: £22.95
Where to Buy: FIOL Rosé
Cordornui Vintage Brut
Pairings: This traditional, flagship cuvée for Codorníu is made from the classic local varieties passed down through the history of cava. Taste it with ham and cheese croquetas for a Spanish twist to Christmas.
Price: £11
Where to Buy: Available from Waitrose stores
Weingut Strehn Shikimiki Brut 2020
Pairings: This is a lively and refreshing rosé with perky raspberry and fresh herb notes. On the palate, you’ll notice lush fruit, lively acidity, creamy mousse and a long aftertaste. Everybody’s darling! Certified organic, Vegan, Vegetarian. Pairs beautifully with aperitivo, salads, or light starters
Price: £16.82
Where to Buy: Available to buy from www.vidawines.co.uk
Champagne Castelnau Brut Reserve
Pairings: This is beautifully light, with celebratory notes. This champagne pairs exceedingly well with festive nibbles or an array of sumptuous rich cheeses. The decision of which cheese to go for is simply yours on this one.
Price: £32.00
Where to Buy: The Wine Society
Blue Aurora Wine – Ice Wine
Pairings: Ok, for this drink, you just need to pour a generous glug of chilled Ice wine to your favourite Champagne or fizz and enjoy with a cheeseboard or Christmas canapes such as brie topped with cranberry or stilton & walnut.
Price: £17.95
More information: To learn more about Blue Aurora wine, read our dedicated feature here.