10 Best Cheeses with Chardonnay (Reviews)
Pairing cheese with chardonnay is a classic culinary delight that can elevate any gathering or quiet evening. As a passionate lover of both cheese and wine, I've spent years perfecting the art of pairing these two to create harmonious flavors that excite the palate.
Chardonnay, with its versatile styles from unoaked crisp acidity to rich buttery oaked varieties, offers an incredible canvas to match with a variety of cheeses. Whether you prefer a creamy Brie, a tangy goat cheese, or a bold aged cheddar, pairing the right cheese with your chardonnay can enhance both the wine and the cheese's flavor profile.
In this guide, I share my top 10 cheese picks that perfectly complement chardonnay, focusing on those available on Amazon for easy access. Each cheese review highlights why it pairs so well with chardonnay's distinct characteristics—helping you impress guests or simply enjoy a luxurious solo tasting.
From soft spreads to nutty hard cheeses, this list is your ultimate resource for blending creamy textures and balanced acidity with the buttery depth or bright freshness of your favorite chardonnay bottle. Let’s dive into these tasty pairings that will redefine your wine and cheese experience.
How to Choose Cheese for Chardonnay
The secret to a great pairing is understanding the style of Chardonnay you're drinking. Unoaked chardonnay often has bright acidity and fruit-forward notes, so it pairs well with fresh, tangy, and lighter cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella. Meanwhile, oaked chardonnay with its creamy, buttery palate matches beautifully with richer, creamier, and aged cheeses such as Brie, Gruyère, or cheddar.
10 Best Cheese with Chardonnay
01. Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese
Cypress Grove’s Humboldt Fog is a tangy, creamy goat cheese with a distinctive ash layer that provides an earthy, buttery flavor profile. This cheese pairs excellently with unoaked chardonnays due to its bright acidity and creamy texture, which mirrors the wine’s crisp yet smooth finish. The subtle citrus notes in Humboldt Fog highlight similar nuances found in fruit-forward chardonnays. Available on Amazon, it's a must-have for those who love a fresh and tangy cheese with their white wine.
02. Président Brie Cheese
Brie is a timeless classic for pairing with oaked chardonnays. Président’s Brie offers a soft, buttery, and earthy texture that perfectly complements the creamy richness of a well-oaked chardonnay. The cheese’s smooth mouthfeel balances out Chardonnay’s slight oakiness, enhancing the luscious buttery notes for an indulgent wine and cheese party vibe. Pick this Brie up on Amazon for an accessible treat that consistently pleases.
03. Cabot Clothbound Cheddar
This aged cheddar from Cabot is packed with sharp, tangy flavors and a firm crumbly texture, making it a fantastic match for more intensely oaked and full-bodied chardonnays. The cheese’s robust flavor stands up well to wine with powerful vanilla and toast notes, creating a complex and rewarding tasting experience. Available in many Amazon stores, this cheddar is an excellent choice for those who love bold flavors.
04. Bellwether Farms San Andreas Goat Cheese
San Andreas is a creamy sheep’s milk cheese with a mild tang that strikes a beautiful balance with medium-bodied chardonnays. Its smooth texture and natural acidity complement the wine’s fruity and mineral qualities without overpowering either component. The cheese’s elegance makes it perfect for a sophisticated wine night. You can easily find this artisanal cheese on Amazon.
More Reviews
Best Glass Food Processor | Best Food Processor For Nut Butter | Best Non Toxic Immersion Blender | Best Air Fryer Non Toxic | Best Wall Oven Microwave Combo Air Fryer | Best Refrigerant Leak Detector | Best Espresso Machine Under 2000 | Best Commercial Countertop Convection Oven | Best Commercial Rice Cooker | Best Castor Oil
05. Emmi Le Gruyère AOP
Gruyère is a nutty, slightly sweet cheese with a dense texture that pairs wonderfully with an oaked Chardonnay. The wine’s fruitiness and subtle oak spice balance the cheese’s savory depth, offering a delightful complexity. This cheese is especially good for those who enjoy a bit of texture contrast on the palate, and it's widely available on Amazon.
06. Marin French Cheese Company Mt. Tam
Mt. Tam is a triple-crème cheese that boasts a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy mouthfeel, making it a luxurious pairing for riper, fuller-bodied chardonnays. The cheese’s decadence matches the wine’s ripe fruit and oak tones, resulting in a velvety, harmonious experience. This cheese is perfect for intimate dinners or indulgent gatherings.
07. Wensleydale with Cranberries
For a fruitier twist, Wensleydale with cranberries offers a sweet and crumbly texture ideal for complementing crisp unoaked chardonnays. The fresh fruit notes in the cheese accentuate the wine’s bright acidity and citrus qualities, creating a refreshing and balanced bite. Amazon stocks several Wensleydale options that include these delightful add-ins.
08. Babybel Mini Gouda
Gouda is semi-hard and slightly sweet, working superbly with medium-bodied chardonnays that have balanced fruit and oak. Babybel's convenient mini Gouda rounds are perfect for casual snacking and have a creamy but firm texture that pairs well with Chardonnay’s subtle creaminess and nutty undertones. This popular cheese is readily found on Amazon.
09. Castello Blue Cheese
Blue cheeses must be chosen carefully with Chardonnay, as strong, salty blues can overpower lighter wines. Castello’s Blue Cheese is creamy enough to complement an oaked Chardonnay’s richness without overwhelming it. The slight tang and earthy mold flavors create an interesting counterpoint to the wine leather. This cheese is a sophisticated choice widely available online.
More Reviews
Best Oil Sprayer | Best 48 Inch Built In Refrigerator | Best Planetary Mixer | Best RV Toaster Oven | Best Undercounter Ice Maker Machine | Best Microwave Pressure Cooker | Best Wheatgrass Juicer | Best 18 Inch Dishwasher | Best Shop Vac
10. Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella’s delicate, milky flavors are an excellent match for bright, unoaked chardonnays. The gentle creaminess refreshes the palate with every bite and wine sip, enhancing the wine’s floral and citrus notes. Ideal for light, fresh pairings, fresh mozzarella is easy to find on Amazon and a staple for those who enjoy vibrant white wine cheese combinations.
Final Thoughts
When choosing cheese for chardonnay, try to match the wine’s body with the cheese’s intensity—light wines with fresh, mild cheeses and fuller wines with more robust or creamy cheeses. Cutting cheese into bite-sized pieces enhances flavor pairing, and complementing your board with nuts, fruits, and crackers can add textural variety.
I personally recommend experimenting with these cheeses from Amazon to find your favorite matchups, as a well-chosen cheese can truly enhance your enjoyment of a fine chardonnay.
