Top 5 Dry White Bordeaux Wines for British Cheeses

We’ve all done the ‘red wine and cheese’ combo. And it’s so yesterday. If you really want to mix things up, try pairing dry white wines from Bordeaux with your local British-made fromage. Sweep aside that ‘full-bodied red’ talk and get your mouth round some gorgeous Bordeaux dry whites that will bump your weekend cheese board up a whole new level.

Although Bordeaux may be better known for its red wine production, the dry whites long predate the reds and there are currently almost 2000 winemakers producing this alluring wine style in 12 appellations across the region.

The combination of diversity of terroirs, the oceanic crispness and the winemakers’ expertise results in high quality crisp, fruity and structured wines that are not only affordable and versatile but are also great with cheese. So, whether it’s a bright and crisp single varietal Sauvignon Blanc from Entre-Deux-Mers, a rich and generous barrel-fermented blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from Graves or an unexpected Bordeaux cuvée such as a Sauvignon Gris dominant blend bursting with flavours of lemon zest, grapefruit and white pepper, there’s a white Bordeaux to match even your most adventurous cheese choices. 

We have selected 5 dry whites from the Bordeaux Hot 50 Selection, that showcases the exceptional quality, diversity and affordability of Bordeaux wines, and paired them with 5 sumptuous styles of cheese, let’s get this fromage fest started.

For Wensleydale and soft, bloomy rind cheeses

A textural and firm dry white, with orchard fruit and peach aromas, its freshness perfectly cuts through the creaminess of a Wensleydale.

Château Haut Mouleyre £10.50 from Oxford Wine Company

For vegan cheeses

More delicate vegan and nut cheeses will be charmed by the honeyed, peach flavours and ripe rich texture with intense mouthfeel and a complex, long finish of this dry white wine from Graves.

Château Calvimont Blanc, Graves 2016 £15.95 from N.D. John Wine Merchants

For Cerney Ash and other Goats’ cheese

Nothing sings the praises of Goats’ cheese more than a 100% Sauvignon Blanc; fresh, zesty citrus and crushed leaves, rich texture with a crisp and refreshing finish is ideal to offset the rich, creamy but rustic notes of a good Goats’ cheese.

Calvet Limited Release Sauvignon blanc £8.50 from Waitrose

For Stinking Bishop and other washed-rind cheeses

This dry white may look ordinary, but it hits the tasting sweet spot when paired with the pear and herbal notes of a rich Stinking Bishop. Light and unoaked, the wine compliments the creamy tones of washed-rind cheeses beautifully.

Château Bel Air Perponcher Réserve £10.95 from The Wine Society

For Applewood and other smoked cheeses

The mild, smoky, spiced flavours of Applewood cry for the confident oaked notes of this dry white wine from Graves. Flinty, smoky with a tropical guava nose. Elegant balance between oak and fruit with a satisfying pithy finish.

Château de Chantegrive Cuvée Caroline £17.50 from Millesima

For other ideas on cheese and wine pairings have a look here.