Quick answer: The best wine with Brie is Champagne or another dry sparkling wine, because the acidity and bubbles cut through the rich, creamy paste. Buttery Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Sauvignon Blanc, and off dry Riesling are also excellent. Avoid big, tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Brie is one of the world’s most popular cheeses: soft, buttery, and mild, with an edible bloomy rind that tastes faintly of mushrooms. Because it is so rich, Brie needs a wine that refreshes the palate rather than one that piles on more weight. Here are six pairings that work every time, plus tips for baked Brie and toppings.
1. Champagne and Sparkling Wine
This is the classic. Brie comes from the region just east of Paris, close to Champagne, and the two have been served together for centuries. The high acidity and fine bubbles scrub away the butterfat, while Champagne’s toasty, brioche notes echo the rind. If Champagne is outside your budget, Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Loire, Cava, or a dry English sparkling wine work beautifully.
2. Chardonnay
A lightly oaked Chardonnay matches Brie’s buttery texture with its own creamy richness. For a cleaner contrast, choose an unoaked Chablis, whose lemony acidity and mineral finish brighten each bite. Both are excellent; it comes down to whether you prefer harmony or contrast.
3. Pinot Noir
If you want red, Pinot Noir is the safest choice. Its light tannin will not clash with the soft paste, and its red cherry and earthy notes complement the mushroomy rind. Burgundy, Oregon, and cool climate California Pinot all work. See more matches in our Pinot Noir pairing guide.
4. Beaujolais
Made from Gamay, Beaujolais is juicy, fruity, and very low in tannin. Serve it slightly chilled for a lively contrast with warm or room temperature Brie. Cru Beaujolais from Fleurie or Morgon adds extra depth.
5. Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc, especially Sancerre from the Loire Valley, cuts through richness with bright citrus and herbal notes. It is a great choice when Brie is served with fresh fruit or on a summer board.
6. Off Dry Riesling
A Riesling with a touch of sweetness balances Brie’s gentle saltiness and pairs especially well when the cheese is topped with fruit or honey. German Kabinett or Spätlese styles are ideal.
Wines to Avoid With Brie
Big, tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, and young Bordeaux tend to taste bitter and metallic with soft, creamy cheeses. Heavily oaked, high alcohol wines can also overwhelm Brie’s delicate flavor. Save those bottles for aged hard cheeses instead. Our wine and cheese pairing rules explain why tannin and soft cheese clash.
Best Wine With Baked Brie
Baked Brie is warmer, gooier, and usually topped with something sweet, so the pairing shifts slightly.
- Baked Brie with fig jam or honey: off dry Riesling, Moscato d’Asti, or demi sec Champagne
- Baked Brie with cranberries: Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, a great holiday choice. See our Thanksgiving wine guide.
- Baked Brie with garlic and herbs: Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay
- Brie en croûte (in puff pastry): Champagne or Crémant, whose toasty notes echo the pastry
The Best Bread for Brie
A crusty French baguette is the classic choice because its neutral flavor and crisp crust contrast Brie’s softness. Walnut bread and fruit and nut crisps add a sweet, nutty contrast. Find more ideas in our cheese board bread guide.
How to Serve Brie
- Remove Brie from the refrigerator about an hour before serving. Cold Brie tastes muted and firm.
- Eat the rind. It is edible and part of the flavor.
- Cut Brie wheels like a cake, in wedges from the center. For a wedge, cut along the long side so everyone gets some rind and some center.
- Store leftovers wrapped in cheese paper or parchment, not plastic. Read our cheese storage guide for details.
Brie vs. Camembert: Do They Pair Differently?
Camembert is smaller, earthier, and often stronger than Brie, especially when ripe. It pairs with the same wines, but it can handle slightly more flavor: try it with Normandy cider, Calvados, Pinot Noir, or a richer Chardonnay. Brie’s milder profile makes sparkling wine the standout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wine with Brie cheese?
Champagne or a dry sparkling wine is the best overall match. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and Sauvignon Blanc are also excellent choices.
Does red wine go with Brie?
Yes, light and low tannin reds like Pinot Noir and Beaujolais pair well with Brie. Avoid bold, tannic reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, which can taste bitter with soft cheese.
What wine goes with baked Brie?
For sweet toppings like honey or fig jam, choose off dry Riesling, Moscato d’Asti, or demi sec Champagne. For savory baked Brie with garlic and herbs, choose Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay.
Should you eat the rind on Brie?
Yes. The bloomy rind on Brie is edible and adds an earthy, mushroom flavor. Some people prefer to remove it, but it is completely safe to eat.
