Christmas cheese pairings: what to drink with Stilton, Cheddar, Brie and more

Port is the famous pairing because sweetness softens salt while both sides have enough intensity. Sweet Sherry, Madeira and some dessert wines can also work.

For a less sweet route, try a rich stout or carefully chosen whisky, but avoid delicate drinks that disappear.

Mature Cheddar works with bitter, brown ale, dry cider, robust red wine and whisky because salt, fat and savoury flavour welcome structure.

A bright cider is particularly useful when the cheese board also includes chutney, apple or crackers.

Sparkling wine, cider and lighter reds often work better than tannic heavyweight wines. Acidity lifts richness without masking the mushroomy, creamy flavours.

Serve soft cheese at a sensible temperature; pairing ice-cold cheese is harder because aroma is muted.