Chardonnay and Cheese Pairings with ONEHOPE Wine

Given the widespread popularity of white wines over reds and Chardonnay’s perhaps most celebrated varietal in America, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering. Creating a party platter focused on this beloved wine allows exploring the sophisticated art of Chardonnay and cheese pairings.

Cheese is a classic choice for wine parties, but pairing it with Chardonnay can be intriguing due to the varietal’s vast stylistic range. Each Chardonnay interacts uniquely with different cheeses, from the fruity and citrusy to the oaky and buttery profiles. This complexity can sometimes clash with the creamy textures of famous cheeses, presenting a delightful challenge to find the perfect match. We’ve embarked on a culinary journey to identify the ideal cheeses that complement a Chardonnay known for its beautifully balanced fruit and oak characteristics.

Our Sommelier elaborates on the wine’s profile: ‘Our Chardonnay, characterized by its freezing, slow fermentation process, unveils a bounty of tropical fruit flavors including pineapple, banana, white peach, and pear. The oak is aged for six months in American oak—only 20% of which is new—and acts more as a textural element rather than overwhelming the fruit. Subtle vanilla and toasted coconut notes are present but harmonize with the fruit, creating a balanced and inviting complexity.’

With this guide, let’s explore the best Chardonnay and cheese pairings that promise to elevate any social gathering, from casual meet-ups to elegant celebrations.

CHEESE:

We sought the best cheese to pair with our style Chardonnay and found a few favorites: Mt. Tam, a brie-style triple cream crafted by Cowgirl Creamery in California.  Our other favorite was Cabot’s Clothbound Cheddar, which is nutty in flavor and has a similar consistency to parmesan while being much more mild to taste – perfect for our style of Chardonnay.  The two can be purchased in a set from Cowgirl Creamery that also includes an absolutely unbelievable Echo Mountain Blue Cheese (still delicious with our Chardonnay when drizzled in a little honey and perfect for the reds at your wine tasting) or can be ordered individually as well.  If you’re looking for less expensive options, both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s offer a wide variety of brie and mild-medium cheddar cheeses that will be perfect for pairing with Chardonnay.

OTHER BITES TO INCLUDE:

In my opinion, creating the perfect cheese plate is all about striking a balance between cheeses and other small bites that enhance the flavors of your wine.  Some crackers and perhaps a loaf of fresh French Bread are essential.  The fig spread, and honey found in our Wine & Cheese Party and Cheese Party Crates are essential for getting that sweeter balance and will make cheeses like tangy blue cheese more approachable for those who might not love an extra sharp cheese.  Figs are also particularly delicious with our Chardonnay. They can be served with any cheese imaginable, from a creamy brie to an aged, extra-sharp cheddar or parmesan.  An artichoke spread (also found in both our Wine & Cheese Party and Cheese Party Crates) offers a savory yet citrusy touch, while olive oil is a natural pairing and will give your guests something light to dip their bread in when they’ve indulged in enough cheese 😉

PS: From a gorgeous marble cheese board to honey, olive oil, salami, cheese knives, and more, our Wine & Cheese Party and Cheese Party Crates offer a one-stop shop for all of the goodies you will need to create the perfect wine and cheese party.  Cheers!

Photo credit: http://pizzazzerie.com/diy/diy-food-treats/17-appetizer-boards-to-up-your-hostess-game/