For World Cheese Day (Jan 20), sommelier Stephani Mercado shares cheese and wine pairing ideas with vibrant whites, rosés and smooth reds beyond the classics.
Working with Cantu Grupo Wine, Stephani’s twist is simple: start with the cheese, not the bottle. Texture, intensity and salt level should steer your choice. That mindset turns a pretty board into a modern tasting experience.
Cheese and wine pairing: let texture lead
Fresh cheeses want lift and acidity. Aged cheeses need reds with a softer feel, not heavy tannin. Sparkling wines and rosés bridge the gap when you mix styles on one board.
“Pairing is about observing. You read the cheese, feel the texture, sense the intensity, then choose a wine that balances, complements or contrasts in the right measure.”
Fresh cheeses + vibrant whites
With delicate, creamy cheeses, you want a wine that refreshes the palate. Burrata, buffalo mozzarella, goat cheese and young brie shine with bright, crisp whites. The cheese stays center stage, but feels cleaner and more aromatic.
Stephani highlights Spain’s Mar de Frades Albariño and Chile’s Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc. Think burrata with ripe tomatoes. Or goat cheese with citrusy salads for a lighter, zesty match.
Aged cheeses + smooth reds
As cheeses age, firmness and salinity rise. That’s when red wine can look elegant, especially with gentle tannins. Fat and protein soften the wine and extend the finish.
Her safe, charming trio: Pinot Noir, Carménère and a young Tempranillo. From the selection, she points to Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Ramón Bilbao Edición Limitada and Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Carménère. They pair naturally with gruyère, aged gouda and comté.
Sparkling wine: the board’s wildcard
If you want an instant “works with everything” option, go sparkling. High acidity and bubbles reset the palate fast. They handle creamy cheeses and more aromatic profiles with ease.
Stephani recommends Champagne Lanson and Brazil’s Maraví Brut Branco. Together, they can elevate brie and camembert, especially with almonds and citrus jams. The overall feel turns lighter, sharper and more flexible.
Rosé: the modern, overlooked pick
Rosé is still underrated with cheese, yet it hits a sweet spot: fruit, freshness and structure. It’s a strong partner for medium-intensity cheeses. It also plays well with fresh fruit and milder charcuterie.
Her picks include Casa Relvas Rosé Pompom (Portugal), Don Pascual Coastal Rosé (Uruguay) and Susana Balbo Signature Rosé (Argentina). The idea is a sunnier board, with less heaviness and more texture. It surprises without feeling complicated.
Service info
Date: World Cheese Day, January 20
Mar de Frades Albariño (where to buy): https://www.encontrevinhos.com.br/mar-de-frades-albarino-rias-baixas
Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (where to buy): https://www.triplevino.com.br/vinho-branco-ventisquero-reserva-sauvignon-blanc
Albert Bichot Bourgogne Pinot Noir (where to buy): https://www.vinandwines.com.br/vinho-tinto-albert-bichot-bourgogne-pinot-noir-origines-2023-750ml?utm_source=Site&utm_medium=GoogleMerchant&utm_campaign=GoogleMerchant&srsltid=AfmBOoq2fg-R3s0-QygpIrstX_kvYx3Xvy8tn9gJrM9Whtg_Cf9k9-D567g
Ramón Bilbao Edición Limitada (where to buy): https://www.ricovino.com.br/vinhos-espanhois/ramon-bilbao-edicion-limitada-rioja
Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Carménère (where to buy): https://www.vinhodeporta.com.br/paises/chile/vinho-tinto-escudo-rojo-gran-reserva-carmenere
Champagne Lanson (where to buy): https://www.dolcevino.com.br/por-tipo/espumante-e-frisante/champagne-lanson-black-label-brut-branco
Maraví Brut Branco (where to buy): https://www.vinhodeporta.com.br/paises/brasil/espumante-branco-brut-maravi
Casa Relvas Rosé Pompom (where to buy): https://casavinhos.com.br/vinho-casa-relvas-pom-pom-rose.html
Don Pascual Coastal Rosé (where to buy): https://www.topwines.com.br/vinho-rose-don-pascual-coastal
Susana Balbo Signature Rosé (where to buy): https://www.casaprimevinhos.com.br/susana-balbo-signature-rose
Foto: Divulgação
