Camembert is renowned for its creamy texture and earthy flavour. While it’s delightful on its own, pairing it with the right drink can enhance its taste even more. In this post, we’ll explore the ten best drinks pairings for Camembert, ranging from classic wines to refreshing non-alcoholic choices.
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Tips for pairing Camembert with drinks
Before I go into specific pairings, let’s have a quick look at some ground rules. Of course, pairings can be subjective, but there are some principles that can help you choose your drinks to enjoy with Camembert cheese.
- Balance the richness: Camembert is creamy and rich, so pair it with drinks that have good acidity or bubbles. This helps cleanse your palate between bites.
- Match flavours: Complement earthy, mushroom-like notes in the cheese with drinks that have fruity or herbal undertones. Avoid overpowering flavours that might mask the cheese’s subtleties.
- Consider texture: Light, crisp drinks contrast nicely with Camembert’s soft, buttery texture. A refreshing drink enhances the eating experience.
- Sweet and savoury: Off-dry or semi-sweet wines balance the cheese’s savoury flavours, while dry drinks refresh your palate.
- Experiment: Try different pairings to see what suits your taste. A range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can bring out different aspects of Camembert.
Best drinks to serve with Camembert cheese
Now that I’ve got the basics out of the way, let’s take a look at my 10 best drinks to pair with Camembert.
1. Champagne or Sparkling Wine
One of the most classic pairings for Camembert is Champagne. The lightness and bubbles of Champagne balance out the creamy richness of the cheese. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the buttery texture of Camembert, refreshing your palate between bites.
The fruity and slightly toasty notes in Champagne, such as apple and citrus, also complement the mushroomy flavour of the cheese rind. If Champagne is too pricey, a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava works just as well. Their crisp bubbles create the same contrast and add a touch of elegance to the pairing.
This combination is perfect for celebrations or indulgent cheese boards.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and zesty citrus notes, is a fantastic white wine to pair with Camembert. The wine’s refreshing quality helps cut through the cheese’s richness, while its green apple and herbaceous flavours complement the earthiness of the cheese.
This wine also has a slightly grassy note, which pairs well with the savoury, mushroomy flavours of Camembert’s rind. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc alongside a soft wedge of Camembert is a refreshing and balanced pairing, ideal for summer gatherings or light meals.
3. Chardonnay
Chardonnay, particularly the oaked variety, is another excellent choice for pairing with Camembert. An oaked Chardonnay has a rich, buttery texture that mirrors the creaminess of the cheese. The wine’s flavours of vanilla, toasted oak and ripe apple enhance the mild yet earthy tones of the cheese.
For a fresher option, try an unoaked Chardonnay. It will have bright acidity and notes of citrus and green apple that balance Camembert’s buttery texture while adding a crisp finish to each bite. Whether you prefer an oaked or unoaked version, Chardonnay and Camembert make a luxurious pairing, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
4. Dry Cider
Cider is one of the most natural pairings for Camembert, especially considering both originate from the Normandy region of France. A crisp, dry cider brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese. The slightly sweet and tart flavour of cider cuts through the fattiness of the Camembert, while the apple notes enhance the earthy undertones of the cheese.
Sparkling cider adds a fun, effervescent element, making it even more refreshing, while a still cider provides a more subtle pairing. This combination is perfect for a rustic picnic or a cosy evening with a cheese platter.
5. Pilsner
For beer lovers, a light pilsner is a fantastic pairing with Camembert. The crisp, clean flavour of a pilsner complements the cheese’s creamy texture without overpowering it. The gentle bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the Camembert, while the carbonation adds a refreshing contrast to the soft cheese.
Pilsners often have floral or grassy notes that work well with the earthy flavour of Camembert’s rind. This pairing is great for a casual meal or picnic, offering a light and satisfying balance of flavours.
6. Pale Ale
If you’re after a beer with a bit more complexity, a pale ale is a great match for Camembert. Pale ales have a slightly more robust flavour than pilsners, with a gentle bitterness from the hops that complements the richness of the cheese. The hoppy, citrusy notes in a pale ale contrast with the creamy texture of Camembert, while the beer’s malt backbone provides a balancing sweetness.
This combination works well if you enjoy a bolder flavour profile and is perfect for a relaxed evening at home with a cheeseboard.
7. Riesling
Riesling is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with Camembert, particularly the off-dry or semi-sweet varieties. The wine’s sweetness contrasts with the cheese’s savoury, mushroomy flavours, while its bright acidity cuts through the rich texture.
Riesling’s notes of peach, apricot and floral hints add a touch of sweetness that enhances the creaminess of the cheese. Whether you’re serving a younger, milder Camembert or a more mature, earthy version, Riesling brings out the best in the cheese.
This pairing is perfect for an indulgent cheeseboard or a light afternoon snack.
8. Apple Juice (Non-Alcoholic)
For a non-alcoholic option, apple juice is an excellent choice to pair with Camembert. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of apple juice create a refreshing contrast to the creamy, earthy cheese. The crisp, fruity flavour of the juice enhances the cheese’s buttery texture, making for a balanced and enjoyable combination.
Opt for fresh, cold-pressed apple juice for the best experience, as it retains more of the apple’s natural flavour and acidity. This pairing is ideal for family gatherings or when you want a non-alcoholic alternative that still elevates the cheese.
9. Cranberry Juice (Non-Alcoholic)
Cranberry juice offers a tart, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy texture of Camembert. Its bright acidity cuts through the fat of the cheese, while the bold, fruity flavour provides a delightful contrast to the earthy, mushroomy notes of the rind.
For those who prefer a sweeter option, cranberry juice blends that include apple or grape can soften the tartness, making the pairing even more enjoyable. This non-alcoholic option is perfect for casual meals or as part of a festive cheeseboard.
10. Herbal Infusions (Non-Alcoholic)
Finally, herbal infusions, especially chamomile or mint, makes for a soothing and refreshing pairing with Camembert. Chamomile tea, with its light, floral notes and apple-like sweetness, brings out the mild, buttery flavour of the cheese. The warmth of the tea enhances the cheese’s creamy texture, while the floral notes complement the earthiness of the rind.
On the other hand, mint tea, with its refreshing coolness, contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese, cleansing the palate after each bite. This pairing is ideal for a relaxing afternoon or evening, offering a non-alcoholic option that’s light and satisfying.
Conclusion
Camembert’s rich, creamy texture and earthy flavour make it a versatile cheese that pairs beautifully with a wide range of beverages. Whether you prefer a crisp glass of Champagne, a refreshing cider or a soothing cup of herbal tea, the right drink can elevate your cheese experience.
The beauty of Camembert is its ability to work with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it perfect for all occasions. From the elegance of Sauvignon Blanc to the simple pleasure of apple juice, there’s a pairing here for every palate.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
