The Art of Pairing Hard Cheese and Wine

When it comes to pairing wine with cheese, the ultimate goal is simple: create harmony on the palate and avoid any flavour clashes. While there are no strict rules, understanding how cheese evolves can help guide your choices.

As cheese ages, it undergoes two key processes—proteolysis (the breakdown of proteins) and lipolysis (the breakdown of fats). These natural transformations not only alter the texture but also deepen the flavour, resulting in cheeses with greater complexity and aroma.

Hard cheeses, in particular, offer a broader range of pairing possibilities thanks to their rich and mature profiles. Their structure and depth allow them to stand up beautifully to bold red wines, while their nuanced flavours also make them a surprisingly good match for Champagne.

Some classic examples of hard cheeses that pair wonderfully with wine include:
Cheddar, Comté, Gruyère, Manchego, Ossau-Iraty, Mimolette, Cantal, Rachel, Pecorino Romano, and L’Etivaz.

Whether you’re hosting a tasting night or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, don’t be afraid to experiment. With hard cheeses, there’s plenty of room to explore both classic and unexpected wine pairings.

Looking for inspiration? Here are some wines that pair beautifully with these cheeses, curated by La Maison du Vin.