Served as an appetizer, in place of dessert or as a meal in itself, cheese is a trusty dinner-party standby – and there’s nothing more delicious than cheeses paired with great wines.

Although matching can be difficult, there are a few tricks to the perfect pairing.

1. CHEVIN + SAUVIGNON BLANC As a general rule, white, fresh cheese should be paired with crisp white wine. The salty tang of Chevin (goat’s cheese) is complemented by the grassy crispness of an unwooded Sauvignon Blanc.

2 & 3. CAMEMBERT/BRIE + WEISSER RIESLING Rich, soft cheeses can be paired with bolder whites like a wooded Chardonnay, but Weisser Riesling’s richness is a dream with an equally rich and smooth Camembert or Brie. RECOMMENDATION: FV Darling Riesling 2012

4. AGED CHEDDAR + SHIRAZ A big, bold red (think Shiraz or a Cabernet Sauvignon) is going to overwhelm a Camembert or Brie, but pairs deliciously well with a strong, aged cheddar or Pecorino.

5. BLUE CHEESE + A NOBLE LATE HARVEST Sweet dessert wines partner well with almost any cheese, but the classic match of blue cheese and Noble Late Harvest is unbeatable, particularly with a slice of preserved fruit on the side.

Emma Odendaal