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Champagne wines with the cheeseboard
There has always been a natural affinity between wine and cheese.
Most people think of red wine when they think of cheese, but some cheeses actually go better with white wines and some are particularly well suited to Champagne wines.
There is an important common denominator between Champagne wines and cheese: both are subject to Appellation of Controlled Origin rules and regulations.
Both are therefore by definition eternally linked to their particular terroir and the very special talents of the people who make them. They are by nature unique and exceptional products, offering a kaleidoscope of flavours and textures that deserve to go together.
The Champenois themselves have traditionally served their wines with cheeses such as Chaource, Brie de Meaux, Langres and Maroilles. Champagne wines do in fact have the finesse, crispness and strength to accompany many cheeses besides these – from the beginning of the meal to the end.
With the aperitif: Champagne wines are first choice and delicious with cheese in any form – as it comes or made into gougères or spicy cheese savouries.
Explore combinations of taste that you would not have thought possible.
With the main course: Champagne wines are surprisingly good with cheese soufflés, cheese dishes and fresh pasta.
With the cheeseboard: This is where Champagne wines and cheese show their true colours. Whatever the Champagne – crisp and light, robust and powerful, soft and warm, or mature and complete – you are sure to find airy, complex notes that blend beautifully with cheese.
And to finish up the meal on a sweet note: for a particularly beguiling combination of lightness and freshness, serve Champagne with a creamy Tiramisu or the cheesecake of your choice.
As eating habits grow increasingly daring, so the whole business of eating becomes more and more interesting. Serving Champagne wines with cheese might have raised a few eyebrows in the past, but bubbles alongside the cheeseboard are now practically de rigueur for any enlightened gourmet.