It’s the typical pair, the match made in heaven we all love to munch on no matter what time of year – wine and cheese! There are a few basic rules you will need to follow if you want to pair with care. Cheeses generally fall under a few basic categories: Hard, Semi-Hard, Semi-Soft, Soft Aged Hard Cheeses Generally, these are the types of cheeses we know as aged. But not all hard cheeses are aged. Hard cheeses tend to have a stronger flavor and are often more complex and developed. Cheeses that fall under this category are Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Grana Padano, Aged Cheddars etc. The best wines to pair with hard cheeses is a full-bodied red wine. The higher the fat content in the cheese, and especially if the cheese is aged, the stronger the tannins you will want to counter balance the fattiness. Did anyone say Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti Classico? Semi-Hard Cheeses Depending on if your cheese is aged, you will want to go for a high alcohol content white wine with a structured body, or a medium-bodied red. A young Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss goes well with Pinot Noir or a Sauvignon Blanc. Another rule of thumb is to pair cheeses and wines that both come from the same area. Usually the territory and soil will do the pairing work for you. Semi-Soft Depending on the cheese, you can get some great pairings from a semi-soft cheese and wine match. Try coupling a mozzarella or Havarti with a Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you’re into something a bit more powerful, like a gorgonzola blue cheese, try pairing it with a French Sauternes. It is a match made in heaven Soft Cheeses Your best bet with a young, fresh, soft cheese is a sparkling wine. All that milky film will be cleansed away with a bit of bubble on your palate. If you are trying to pair some of the classics like Brie, Meunster or Camembert, go for a Prosecco or Spumante.