10 Cheeses to Pair with Champagne

Cheese and wine is a match made in heaven, but how much do you know about how to make the perfect pair? In this article, we’ll be exploring which 10 types of cheese are absolutely perfect for eating with a bottle (or two) of fizzy Champagne. Whether you’re looking to find cheese products online in LA or you’re based out of Berlin, we’re pretty sure that you’ll be able to find these cheeses in your local store without much issue.

1. Gruyere

A hard, nutty cheese from Switzerland, Gruyere is the perfect match for dry Champagne. The two will complement each other perfectly, with the cheese bringing out the fruity notes in the Champagne while the Champagne cleanses the palate between bites of cheese. It mightn’t be the cheapest, but that makes it all the more desirable for many. It’s entirely worth the investment, in our opinion but make sure to check it out for yourselves if you haven’t already.

2. Camembert

This soft, creamy cheese from Normandy is perfect for a richer, more indulgent champagne pairing. The buttery richness of Camembert will be enhanced by a rich and full-bodied sparkling wine, resulting in a decadent pairing that’s sure to impress guests. Its creaminess is what makes it so great, and it is incredible when served warm alongside some crusty bread and a bottle of fizz on the side.

3. Roquefort

This blue cheese from southwest France is intensely flavorful and salty, making it the perfect companion for a slightly sweet sparkling wine. The two will balance each other out perfectly, with the saltiness of the cheese cutting through the sweetness of the bubbly and vice versa. Blue cheese might not be for everyone, but any hard-core cheese enthusiast will insist that the rich and deep flavors are absolutely to die for.

4. Gouda

Gouda is a versatile Dutch cheese that comes in both hard and soft varieties. For this pairing, we recommend opting for a softer Gouda as it will pair better with Champagnes with higher sweetness levels. The smooth creaminess of this cheese will be offset by the sweetness of the bubbly, creating a delicious harmony on your palate. Gouda is excellent when served alongside some pesto and contacts well with the pine nuttiness.

5. Brie

Brie is a classic cheese that’s perfect for enjoying with a glass of Champagne. This soft cheese has a buttery and creamy texture that pairs well with sweet champagnes, as well as those with notes of fruit or honey. Brie is absolutely delightful and is best when served with salty meats and a sweet side such as strawberries or grapes. It really is a match made in heaven and is a gastronomical marvel.

6. Cheddar

A hard, salty English cheddar is the perfect cheese to enjoy with dry and acidic Champagne. The sharpness of the cheddar will be balanced out by the tartness of the bubbly, creating a delicious flavor profile that’s sure to please any palate. It’s a relatively ‘simple’ cheese, but you know what you’re going to get with it; its versatility being the best asset it has. A cheese heavyweight and for very good reason.

7. Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese that’s rich, nutty, and slightly salty. This cheese pairs well with both sweet and dry Champagnes, making it an ideal option for any occasion. A cheese typically served on top of your favorite pasta dishes, this cheese is also great when broken into smaller bites and can be great when consumed with a glass of Champagne as it works beautifully as a contrasting taste.

8. Swiss Gruyere

As we mentioned before, this Swiss Gruyere is an excellent cheese to enjoy with Champagne. However, in this instance, we’re specifically referring to the American variety, which is milder and less nutty than its Swiss counterpart. This cheese pairs well with all types of Champagnes, making it a versatile option for any celebration.

9. Chevre

Chevre is a soft, creamy goat’s cheese perfect for pairing with sweet or fruity Champagnes. The mild flavor of this cheese will be enhanced by the bubbly, creating a delicious combination that’s sure to please all taste buds. This variety is less commonly known than most others on the list, but it absolutely should not be slept on. Make sure to give it a try next time you have a bite to eat and make up your own mind.

10. Mozzarella

This classic Italian cheese is a great option for pairing with Champagne as it has a mild flavor and creamy texture. Mozzarella pairs well with both dry and sweet Champagnes, making it a versatile choice for any celebration. While mozzarella might be most commonly found on high-end pizzas found at your local Italian eatery, it’s also absolutely lovely when paired with some sweet grapes and a glass of fizz.