Cheese and wine pairings

Flavour matches with cheese and white wine

The sweetness, acidity and milder bouquet of white wine beautifully balances many cheeses, making it often a better match than red wine.

• Avoid pairing cheese with very dry white wines. Aim for varietals with a bit of residual sugar. The sweetness ties in nicely with the saltiness in the cheese, while the acidity cleanses the palate.

• Soft, mild cheeses suit young, crisp white wines. Try our silken soft Akatea Brie with a Pinot Gris or Riesling to help contrast the earthy notes in this cheese.

• Serve bold cheeses with bold wines – and aged cheeses with aged wines. Try our crumbly Pakari Aged Cheddar with a full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Vintage Port.

• Salty, complex cheeses such as blue cheese go best with sweet wines - the sweetness contrasts the saltiness and tones it down. Try our decadently creamy Kikorangi Blue with a peppery Syrah or Shiraz.

Flavour matches with cheese and red wine

Many red wines are dry and heavy, meaning they can stifle lighter cheeses, making them more difficult to pair. Serve red wine with the following rules in mind.

• Light and mild cheeses go best with light, fruity reds. Try serving our smooth Kakato Gouda or buttery Kānuka Havarti with a Pinot Noir.

• Match the style and age of the cheese with the wine. For example, a heavy red needs a heavy cheese, and an old, aged red should be served with a firm, aged cheddar. Try our sharp Pakari Blackcurrant Aged Cheddar with a mellow Merlot.

• Cheese loves sweetness. Red dessert wines, especially those that are a bit acidic go well with heavy cheeses and blue cheese, where the sweetness balances out the saltiness. Try our creamy Kahurangi Creamy Blue with a noble Riesling, late harvest Sauvignon Blanc or New Zealand style Rosé.