Champagne and Cheese Pairings to Ring in the New Year

Pop the Bubbly and Unwrap the Cheese: Perfect Pairings for Your New Year’s Celebration

The clock is ticking down, and the New Year’s Eve sparkle is calling for something extra special. Enter the dynamic duo of Champagne and cheese—a pairing that’s as luxurious as it is delightful. Whether you're hosting a soiree or having a cozy celebration, these pairings will elevate your toast to the new year. Let’s explore the best combinations to wow your palate.

Why Champagne and Cheese?

The effervescence of Champagne and other sparkling wines is a natural partner to the creamy, nutty, and tangy flavors found in cheeses. The bubbles cleanse your palate, readying it for the next bite, while the wine's crisp acidity complements the rich, savory notes of cheese. The key to the perfect match? Balancing textures, flavors, and even wine sweetness levels.

The All-Stars of Cheese and Champagne Pairing

• Brie: This iconic triple-cream cheese is like Champagne's soulmate. Its buttery, delicate flavor mirrors the wine's fruity and floral notes, while the creamy texture is perfect with those playful bubbles.

• Camembert: Earthy and rich, this cousin of Brie adds an extra layer of depth. Its mushroomy flavor is a beautiful match for Champagne’s crisp, effervescent character.

• Parmesan: Who said hard cheeses can't join the party? Parmesan’s nutty, salty punch pairs wonderfully with Champagne’s acidity, creating a harmony that sings.

• Gouda: For a semi-hard option, Gouda is a go-to. Its creamy texture and caramelized nutty undertones enhance the wine’s fruit-forward flavors.

• Roquefort: Bold blue cheeses like Roquefort bring a sharp, salty complexity. Paired with a slightly sweeter sparkling wine, they create a balanced and indulgent experience.

• Baby Swiss: This mild, nutty cheese feels like Champagne’s bubbly twin. Its buttery flavor plays beautifully with the wine’s fizzy elegance.

• Colby: A mild, low-acidity cheese like Colby is an unexpected but stellar match. Its soft flavor profile dances effortlessly with Champagne’s lively bubbles.

Sparkling Wine Varieties and Their Cheese Matches

Different sparkling wines call for specific cheese pairings, so consider what’s in your glass:

• Brut Champagne: Bone-dry with zippy acidity, it’s ideal with Brie or Camembert.

• Prosecco: Lighter and fruitier, Prosecco shines with Parmesan or even Gouda.

• Asti Spumante: Sweet and aromatic, this Italian sparkler pairs wonderfully with a tangy blue like Gorgonzola.

• Blanc de Blancs: Made entirely from Chardonnay, this dry, minerally wine loves firm, Alpine-style cheeses like Uplands’ Pleasant Ridge Reserve or Meadow Creek Dairy’s Appalachian.

• Sparkling Rosé: Vibrant and festive, this pink delight pairs beautifully with wrinkly goat’s milk cheeses like Coupole or aged sheep’s milk options like Vermont Shepherd’s offerings.

• Lambrusco: Prefer your bubbles with a splash of red? This fruity Italian sparkler is divine with a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano or a domestic alternative like Landmark Creamery’s Pecora Nocciola.

Tips for Pairing Success

• Experiment: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

• Balance Sweetness: Pair sweeter wines with saltier or tangier cheeses, while dry wines shine with creamy or nutty varieties.

• Presentation: Serve your cheeses at room temperature to unlock their full flavor and offer accompaniments like dried fruits, nuts, or honey for added depth.

This New Year’s Eve, let the Champagne flow and the cheese boards glow. Whether you’re a fan of rich blues or creamy Bries, there’s a sparkling pairing ready to make your celebration unforgettable. Cheers to new beginnings—and delicious pairings!