Cheese and Wine: How to Find the Perfect Combination

Gastronomic inspiration from the Carpathians to Scandinavia

The combination of cheese and wine is an exquisite gastronomic craft that has developed over centuries. In Norway, more and more people are discovering new flavors and aromas – even from countries that are not always known as wine producers. One of these areas is Zakarpattia, a western region of Ukraine where old traditions meet modern winemaking.

Both classic European grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon , Pinot Noir , Sauvignon Blanc and Furmint are grown here, as well as rarer varieties such as Chersegi Fűszeres – an aromatic, white grape originating in Hungary. When grown in the Carpathian climate, it takes on a distinctive and fresh expression.

But how do you combine cheese and wine to create a tasty experience? Here are some classic and creative combinations to explore:

🧀  Soft cheeses and light white wines

Creamy cheeses, such as brie, camembert, ricotta or young Carpathian "vurdă", go well with aromatic white wines. Grape varieties such as Chersegi , Sauvignon Blanc or Irsai Olivér produce light, fresh and floral wines that highlight the softness of the cheese and provide balance.

Tip : "When goat cheese meets Cserszegi, a combination that many recognize as particularly successful occurs."

🧀  Semi-ripened and firm cheeses with red wines

Firm and matured cheeses such as cheddar, gouda and parmesan find perfect partners in red wines with structure. Grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot or Pinot Noir have depth and character that match the intense flavor of the cheese.

Tip : A wine with high tannin, like Cabernet, is nicely balanced by a creamy or nutty cheese – which rounds out the flavor and highlights the fruitiness.

🧀 Blue cheeses and naturally sweet wines

Strong blue-veined cheeses, such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola or Dorblu, pair best with natural sweetness – like late-harvest wines made with Furmint . The sweetness balances the cheese’s salty and sharp character, creating a rich and unforgettable experience.

Tip : Blue cheeses can also be combined with full-bodied, dry white wines with a long aftertaste.

🧀 Cheese platter and versatile wines

If you are going to serve different cheeses together – from soft to hard – choose wines that go well with most of them. Fresh sparkling wines or rosés made from Zweigelt or Blaufränkisch can provide good balance. They have fresh acidity and fruitiness that lift many flavors without dominating.

Tip : Sparkling wine adds an extra festive feel to the cheese platter and goes well with creamy cheeses.

🧀 Local combinations – taste and philosophy

An increasingly clear gastronomic ideal is to combine local cheese with local wine. In the Carpathian region, both wine and cheese are made with great love for the land and the ingredients. This results in authentic combinations that tell stories of craftsmanship, culture and nature.

Good wine and cheese don't need advertising – they speak for themselves. The most important thing is to listen to your own preferences, explore new flavors, and enjoy each combination in good company.

Loza AS wants to make quality wines from different countries known to the Norwegian public. Our philosophy is about sharing cultures and experiences – one taste at a time.

Get inspired. Try something new. Enjoy it together.