Brie cheese is a true crowd-pleaser, a creamy delight that feels like a warm hug in cheese form. Pairing it with the right wine transforms it into an experience that’s as memorable as it is indulgent. I still remember the first time I tried Brie with wine, when I confused about what wine goes with brie and my friend suggested. It was during a dinner party with close friends. We had a rustic cheese board spread out, and someone popped open a bottle of sparkling wine.
That first bite of Brie, with its buttery softness, followed by a sip of bubbly, was nothing short of magical. Since then, Brie and wine pairings have become my favorite way to elevate even the most casual evenings. Whether you’re hosting a fancy gathering or just enjoying a quiet night at home, the right pairing can add a touch of sophistication and joy to your table. Not only this, there are wine that goes perfectly with food items like lasagna. So you can try several dishes like this.
What Wine Goes With Brie Cheese?
Understanding Brie’s unique flavor profile helps you unlock the magic of wine pairings. Brie has a creamy, almost buttery texture and subtle, earthy notes. Depending on how you enjoy it—fresh, baked, or paired with fruits or honey, the wine you choose can make each bite sing. Even there are so many non alcoholic wines that can also go good with such dishes.
Red Wine
Brie and friends – that’s a great combination of light and fruity reds, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. The first time I tried Brie with a glass of Pinot Noir was at a wine-tasting picnic in a vineyard. It just beautifully complimented the nutty undertones in the cheese with the cherry and raspberry notes of the wine. A picnic indeed to be remembered for laughter, fresh baguettes, and good friends.
White Wine
White wines are a safe and often traditional choice for Brie. Unoaked Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc offer crisp acidity that refreshes your palate after each creamy bite. One lazy Sunday, I paired Brie with Sauvignon Blanc while binge-watching my favorite show—it felt like a mini celebration of nothing in particular, and honestly, those are the best kinds of celebrations.
Champagne
If you’re feeling fancy, Champagne is your best bet. The bubbles cut through the cheese’s richness, creating a luxurious pairing. At a New Year’s Eve party, I remember nibbling on Brie paired with Rosé Champagne as we counted down to midnight—it was the perfect start to the new year.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is like the best friend Brie didn’t know it had. Its earthy undertones highlight the cheese’s mushroomy notes, while its red fruit flavors brighten Brie’s creaminess. This pairing is my go-to for date nights—it’s romantic yet unfussy.
Merlot
If you prefer smoother reds, Merlot is your answer. Its soft, velvety texture matches Brie’s buttery richness. I once paired it with Brie at a cozy cabin retreat, sitting by the fire—it felt like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.
Unoaked Chardonnay
Unoaked Chardonnay has a crisp, clean taste that balances Brie’s creamy texture. The apple and citrus notes cut through the richness effortlessly. I love this pairing on summer afternoons, served alongside a platter of fresh green apples and nuts.
Riesling
Semi-dry Riesling pairs beautifully with Brie, especially when the cheese is served with something sweet like fig jam or honey. At a family reunion, my cousin brought baked Brie drizzled with honey, and we paired it with Riesling—it was a hit, and we all ended up fighting over the last bite.
How to Pair Brie with Wine
Pairing Brie with wine is both an art and a science, and it’s a lot of fun to experiment with!
Creaminess
Brie’s creamy texture begs for a wine with good acidity. I once tried Brie with a buttery Chardonnay, but it was too heavy. Then I switched to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and suddenly everything clicked—the wine cut through the creaminess, leaving my palate refreshed and ready for another bite.
Nuttiness
Brie’s nutty undertones are like a secret waiting to be unlocked. Pair it with Champagne or even a dry Sherry, and you’ll taste flavors you never noticed before. My friends and I tried this pairing during a wine club meetup, and it turned into a game of “guess that flavor.” Spoiler: no one guessed “toasted almonds,” but everyone loved it.
Earthiness
Aged Brie has a more pronounced earthy flavor that pairs well with earthy reds like Pinot Noir. I once hosted a fall-themed dinner and paired aged Brie with a rustic Beaujolais. The combination of the wine and the cozy autumn atmosphere made it a night to remember.
Sweetness
When Brie is served with sweet accompaniments like fruit preserves or honey, choose a semi-sweet wine like Riesling or Moscato. One time, I brought baked Brie topped with apricot jam to a potluck. Paired with Moscato, it disappeared in minutes—it’s now my signature party dish.
Tanginess
Brie’s tanginess is subtle but shines when paired with wines that have a tart edge. Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red like Beaujolais is an excellent choice. I discovered this during a DIY wine-and-cheese night with friends, where we kept experimenting until we found the perfect match.
What Wine Goes with Brie in Particular
When it comes to pairing wine with Brie cheese, the options are abundant, but some combinations stand out as truly exceptional. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many wine-and-Brie pairings—at parties, cozy nights in, and even during impromptu picnics. Each pairing brings out unique flavors, and there’s always a perfect wine for the moment. Let’s dive into some of the best wines to pair with Brie and why they work so well.
1. Champagne, Blanc de Blancs
If you’ve ever had Brie with Blanc de Blancs Champagne, you know it’s the ultimate indulgence. The bright acidity nature of this Champagne cuts through the rich creaminess of Brie like magic. I remember serving this pairing at a New Year’s Eve party. Everyone’s faces lit up with that first bite and sip.
The crisp bubbles make the cheese feel even more decadent, and the citrus notes of the Champagne enhance the subtle tanginess in the Brie. It’s a pairing I keep for special celebrations when I want to make the evening unforgettable.
2. Champagne, Rosé
Rosé Champagne feels like the romantic cousin of Blanc de Blancs. With its delicate berry notes, it pairs beautifully with Brie, especially when served alongside strawberries or raspberries. I once had this pairing on a Valentine’s Day picnic—it was chilly, but the Champagne and Brie kept everything feeling luxurious.
The fruity, floral profile of the wine plays up Brie’s creamy nuttiness, making it perfect for occasions when you want to add a touch of elegance.
3. Sparkling Wine
Sometimes you want the sparkle without the Champagne price tag. Enter Prosecco and Cava—both are excellent with Brie. Their crisp bubbles cleanse the palate after each creamy bite. I discovered this pairing during a casual wine-and-cheese night with friends. We started with Prosecco and Brie and soon found ourselves experimenting with flavored honeys and nuts.
The fun of sparkling wine is its versatility; it goes with almost any Brie dish, from baked Brie with fig jam to plain Brie on crackers.
4. Brouilly – Beaujolais Cru
Brouilly, one of my favorite light reds from the Beaujolais region, is a revelation with Brie. Its cherry and red berry notes make Brie taste even more luscious. I brought a bottle of Brouilly to a family gathering once, pairing it with a spread of cheeses that included Brie. Even my uncle, a self-proclaimed wine skeptic, was hooked. It’s a pairing that feels festive yet approachable, perfect for when you want a red wine option that isn’t too heavy.
5. Saint Amour – Beaujolais Cru
Saint Amour is slightly spicier and more aromatic than Brouilly, and it pairs exceptionally well with Brie served with savory accompaniments like charcuterie or nuts. It was surprising for me by trying this pairing while hosting a game night. We had a mix of light bites, and the wine’s warmth paired beautifully with the Brie. There’s something about Saint Amour that makes it feel like a cozy hug in a glass—perfect for intimate evenings.
6. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty acidity is a refreshing counterpart to Brie’s richness. I first tried this pairing at a summer garden party, where the wine’s citrus and herbal notes balanced the creamy cheese perfectly. It’s also a versatile wine if you’re serving different types of Brie, from younger, milder varieties to aged Brie with a stronger tang.
7. Beaujolais
Beaujolais wines, with their light and fruity profiles, are a classic match for Brie. They’re easy to drink, approachable, and work wonderfully for casual settings.
I often bring a bottle of Beaujolais when I’m picnicking with friends—it pairs effortlessly with Brie and a crusty baguette. One sunny afternoon, we paired it with some fresh figs, and it was pure bliss. Beaujolais is one of those wines that turns any moment into something memorable.
8. Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc has a creamy, medium-bodied texture that mirrors Brie’s buttery profile. Its stone fruit flavors, like peach and apricot, add a subtle sweetness that complements the cheese’s nuttiness.
I had this pairing for the first time during a wine tour in Spain, where they served local Grenache Blanc with Brie drizzled in honey. It was a game-changer. Ever since, it’s been my go-to pairing when I want to recreate that Mediterranean magic.
9. Sekt
Sekt, Germany’s sparkling wine, is an underrated gem for Brie pairings. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and delightfully refreshing. I once paired Sekt with Brie at an Oktoberfest-inspired dinner I hosted, and it was a hit. The gentle sweetness of the wine matched beautifully with Brie served alongside apple slices and walnuts. It’s a playful pairing that adds a touch of novelty to any cheese board.
10. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a classic for a reason. Its buttery, citrusy profile is practically made for Brie. I prefer unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay to keep the pairing bright and balanced. I’ve served this duo at everything from dinner parties to solo nights in, and it never disappoints. One standout memory is a holiday gathering where we paired Chardonnay with baked Brie topped with cranberry chutney—absolute perfection!
11. Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc’s floral and fruity notes shine when paired with Brie. It actually has a very nice and naturally vibrant acidity that complements the cheese’s richness, making every bite and sip feel balanced. I especially love this pairing with baked Brie draped in apricot preserves. I discovered this combo at a friend’s potluck and couldn’t stop raving about it. It’s a pairing that feels indulgent but not overwhelming—perfect for sharing.
12. Riesling
Whether dry or off-dry, Riesling is a standout with Brie, especially when served with sweet accompaniments. I once brought a bottle of off-dry Riesling to a potluck, where someone had made Brie with a blueberry compote. The wine’s fruity, acidic profile matched the dish so well that it became the star of the evening. Now, whenever I see Riesling and Brie on a menu, I can’t resist recreating that moment.
Tips for Pairing Wine and Brie
- Have Fun With It: The best part about pairing wine and Brie is the joy of discovery. One time, we threw a blind taste test with friends, pairing Brie with random wines from the shelf. The surprise winner? A crisp Rosé none of us expected to work!
- Balance the Flavors: Mild Brie works with delicate wines, while aged Brie calls for bold, earthy options. Experimenting is half the fun.
- Add Some Flair: Don’t forget the accompaniments. Fruits, nuts, and honey can transform a simple pairing into a gourmet experience.
Popular Pairings by Wine Type
Pairing wine with Brie cheese is one of life’s simplest yet most delightful pleasures. Each wine type brings its own flair to the table, highlighting Brie’s creamy, tangy, and nutty qualities.
Over the years, I’ve had countless opportunities to experiment with wine and Brie pairings, whether at intimate gatherings, wine tastings, or casual picnics. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular pairings and the moments that made them unforgettable.
Sparkling Wine & Brie Cheese Pairing
The effervescence of sparkling wine is like a little celebration in your glass, and when paired with Brie, it’s pure magic. The bubbles cut through the cheese’s creaminess, creating a refreshing balance. One summer evening, I brought a bottle of Prosecco and a wheel of Brie to a rooftop picnic.
We paired them with salty crackers, and the combination was a hit. As the sun set, the sparkling wine’s crispness and the cheese’s richness became the perfect match for the moment. It’s a pairing that feels elegant but is so easy to enjoy in any casual setting.
Sauvignon Blanc & Brie Cheese Pairing
Sauvignon Blanc’s zesty citrus notes and herbal undertones make it a natural companion for Brie, especially younger varieties. I first discovered this pairing during a trip to New Zealand, where we enjoyed local Sauvignon Blanc with fresh Brie and kiwi slices.
The bright acidity of the wine highlighted the tangy, earthy flavors of the cheese, while the tropical fruit added a fun twist. Since then, I’ve recreated this pairing at home for everything from brunches to laid-back dinner parties. It’s light, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Grenache Blanc & Brie Cheese Pairing
Grenache Blanc has a creamy texture and stone fruit flavors that perfectly echo Brie’s buttery profile. I remember trying this pairing during a wine tour in the south of France. The winery served the wine with Brie topped with a drizzle of honey, and it was a game-changing experience.
The wine’s subtle peach and apricot notes played off the cheese’s nutty undertones, creating a balance that felt almost indulgent. Back home, I’ve often recreated this pairing with baked Brie and apricot preserves—it’s a little taste of France with every bite.
Beaujolais-Villages & Brie Cheese Pairing
Beaujolais-Villages is one of my go-to wines when I want something light and fruity to pair with Brie. The wine’s red berry notes and low tannins make it approachable and versatile. One of my favorite memories of this pairing was at a rustic outdoor wedding.
The cheese board featured Brie, fresh baguettes, and a few bottles of Beaujolais-Villages. The casual yet refined feel of the wine perfectly matched the occasion, and the pairing was a hit among guests. It’s a pairing that works beautifully for casual gatherings and makes everyone feel like a wine connoisseur.
Pinot Noir & Brie Cheese Pairing
There’s something undeniably elegant about pairing Pinot Noir with Brie, especially aged varieties. The wine’s earthy undertones enhance the cheese’s nuanced flavors, creating a pairing that feels sophisticated yet comforting. I remember serving this duo at a winter dinner party.
We paired an aged Brie with a silky Pinot Noir, and it became the centerpiece of the evening. The warmth of the wine paired with the cheese’s creaminess made the cold weather outside seem irrelevant. It’s a pairing I save for evenings when I want to make the experience feel extra special.
Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc & Brie Cheese Pairing
While not as traditional, a crisp Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc can surprise you when paired with Brie. The wine’s refreshing acidity provides a contrast to the cheese’s creamy texture, making it an unconventional but delightful match. I discovered this pairing by accident during a wine-tasting event.
They served the wine with a cheese board that included Brie, and I was hesitant at first. But after the first bite and sip, I was hooked. It’s a pairing that feels modern and adventurous, perfect for those moments when you want to shake things up and try something unexpected.
Regional Favorites
Vosne-Romanée
This renowned red wine from Burgundy is a sophisticated match for Brie, highlighting its creamy texture and earthy flavors.
Champagne
A classic French pairing, Champagne and Brie are a match made in heaven. The wine’s acidity and bubbles cut through the cheese’s richness effortlessly.
Beaujolais
Whether it’s a simple Beaujolais or a Beaujolais Cru, these light red wines are ideal for Brie. They’re approachable, versatile, and perfect for casual settings.
Bring Home the Brie with Wine Insiders
Looking to create your perfect Brie and wine pairing at home? Wine Insiders offers a curated selection of wines tailored to your tastes. From classic reds to crisp whites, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your cheese board game.
FAQs on Wine and Brie Cheese
What wines go with Brie cheese?
Brie pairs well with light reds like Pinot Noir, fruity whites like Sauvignon Blanc, and sparkling wines like Champagne.
What drink goes well with Brie cheese?
While wine is the most popular choice, Brie also pairs well with cider, craft beers, and even tea.
Is Brie cheese served with red or white wine?
Both red and white wines can pair beautifully with Brie. It depends on your taste and the cheese’s accompaniments.
What is Brie best paired with?
Brie shines when served with fresh bread, fruits, nuts, and a complementary glass of wine.
