Do you want to WOW your guests with a perfect charcuterie board? Do you feel like pairing the best wine pairings with cheese is an impossible mission for the average amateur chef?
Well, we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be!
With our easy-to-follow guide on how to pair wine and cheese for the ideal charcuterie board, you can become a master of entertaining in no time.
From finding the most delicious combinations of cheese and red wines or white wines, all intertwined with olives, fruits, and nuts; there will be something for every palette at your charcuterie feast.
So ready those toothpicks - let's get started!
Selecting Wines for Your Charcuterie Board
When it comes to selecting wines for your charcuterie board, you want to choose bottles that will compliment the flavors of meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments you have chosen.
A good general rule is to select a red wine that pairs well with stronger flavored cheeses such as cheddar or blue cheese, while crisp white wines tend to go better with milder cheeses like Brie or goat cheese.
Additionally, it can be a great idea to include both a red and white option, as this allows guests to have the opportunity to choose their preferences.
- Red wines that pair well with charcuterie boards include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
- White wines that pair well with charcuterie boards include Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- To create an even more diverse selection, consider including both a red and white wine to give guests the option to choose their preference.
- When pairing cheese with a wine, bear in mind that bolder cheeses such as cheddar or blue cheese are best accompanied by red wines, while milder cheeses like Brie or goat cheese go better with white wines.
Assembling the Perfect Charcuterie Board
When assembling a charcuterie board, it’s important to choose a variety of items that will pair well with your wine selection. Begin by selecting different types of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and chorizo.
Then add sliced cheeses like Manchego, Brie, or Camembert. Finally, add some pickled items such as olives, peppers, and artichokes for a bit of crunch.
Nuts like roasted almonds and walnuts are also excellent additions to your charcuterie board.
When it comes to pairing wines with charcuterie boards, look for a wine with crisp acidity that will cut through the fat from the cheese and cured meats.
A light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or a dry rosé are both excellent options for charcuterie boards. For white wines, choose something with bright acidity such as Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay.
Finally, don’t forget about the presentation. Charcuterie boards are meant to be enjoyed visually as well as gustatorily, so arrange all of your ingredients in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Have fun experimenting with different cheeses, cured meats and accompaniments to create a unique and beautiful charcuterie board that is sure to impress!
Match Intensity
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When it comes to pairing wine and cheese, one crucial factor to consider is the flavor intensity.
If you're indulging in some aged cheddar or tangy blue cheese, you want to pair it with a bold wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon.
However, for lighter cheeses like creamy goat cheese, a more delicate wine like a Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors.
Remember this handy tip: match the intensity of your wine with that of your cheese and your taste buds will thank you!
If you want to learn more about cheese for your charcuterie board check out my article on 5 must-have cheeses for your charcuterie board.
This table is just a starting point, and there are many more wine and cheese pairings to explore. It's always a good idea to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your taste buds.
Remember that the goal is to create a balanced flavor profile that enhances the overall experience of the charcuterie board.
Contrast Flavors
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Let's talk about pairing cheese with wine but in a relatable way. Contrasting flavors is an easy way to remember which flavors complement each other.
For instance, if your cheese is tart-like goat cheese, pair it with a fruity wine like Pinot Noir to level out the sharpness.
For those who prefer rich soft cheese like Brie, a crisp white wine like Chardonnay is perfect to balance out the creamy texture.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese and wine pairings, and remember to have fun with it!
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Remember there are no fast and hard rules when it comes to pairing cheese and wine. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect pairing.
Pair Local Wines and Cheeses
Charcuterie boards are just fancy French versions of a Lunchables platter. But when you make one, it's best to include the local wines and fresh cheeses.
Not only is this a fun and delicious way to support local businesses, but it also lets you experiment with different complementing flavors that your region has to offer.
Plus, local wine and fresh cheese often share complementary flavor profiles, making them the perfect match for your platter!
Remember to also support your local wine and cheese makers by trying their products and incorporating them into your charcuterie board.
Cheese and Wine Pairings
- Cheddar: Best paired with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Brie: Pairs well with sweet white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Moscato.
- Blue Cheese: Rich and flavorful, blue cheese goes best with bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Zinfandel.
- Asiago: A dry yet nutty flavor makes Asiago compatible with both red and white wines like Merlot, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio.
- Gouda: Semi-hard with a smooth, creamy texture, Gouda is best paired with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
- Manchego: An aged Spanish cheese that has an earthy profile and pairs nicely with both reds like Merlot and whites like Chardonnay.
- Feta: This salty cheese can be paired with both light reds such as Pinot Noir and dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Brie: Creamy and smooth, Brie pairs well with sweet whites like Moscato, Riesling, or Gewürztraminer.
- Camembert: This French cheese is best paired with light reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais and also pairs well with fruit wines such as White Zinfandel.
Consider the Age of the Cheese
The age of cheese can affect how well it pairs with wine. If you're nibbling on some fresh goat cheese, try it with a young, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. On the other hand, with aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda, you need a bold red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tannins in red wine help balance the richness of cheese. Impress your friends with your newfound pairings!
Remember, these are just a few options to get you started. Don't be afraid to experiment and try out new combinations to find your perfect charcuterie and cheese pairing!
Experiment with Different Combinations
When it comes to pairing wine and cheese, there are no hard and fast rules. The best way to find the perfect combination is to experiment with different wines and cheeses. Try pairing a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack with a bold red wine like Shiraz or a creamy cheese like blue cheese with a sweet dessert wine like Port. The possibilities for food pairings are endless!
Cheese Charcuterie Board Recipe
Ingredients:
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- Olives, dried fruits (apricots, figs, or dates) & nuts (pistachios, walnuts or almonds)
- Jam or honey
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, and/or vegetable chips
- Fresh fruit such as grapes, strawberries, and apples
- Assorted olives and marinated vegetables
- Fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, and figs
- A selection of nuts like almonds, cashews & walnuts
- Crackers or slices of fresh bread for serving
- Honey or jam for a sweet accompaniment
Instructions:
- Arrange the prosciutto, chorizo, and other cured meats on a cutting board or large plate.
- Place olives, dried fruit and nuts in separate small dishes around the board.
- Spread jam or honey onto crackers, toasted baguette slices and/or vegetable chips.
- Arrange the sliced cheese, apples and other fruits on the board.
- Top with marinated vegetables.
- Drizzle honey or extra virgin olive oil over the charcuterie board if desired.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Facts:
- Mascarpone Cheese (1oz): 80 calories, 7g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 2mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 0.6g carbohydrates
- Brie Cheese (1oz): 95 calories, 8g fat, 5g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 0.4g carbohydrates
- Jam or Honey (1tbsp): 60 calories, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1g carbohydrates
- Crackers (2 pieces): 100 calories, 3.5g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 19g carbohydrates
- Toasted Bagel Slices (2 pieces): 140 calories, 0.5g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates
- Almonds (1oz): 164 calories, 14.3g fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1.1mg sodium, 6.1g carbohydrates
- Cashews (1oz): 155 calories, 12.4g fat, 2.3g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1.9mg sodium, 8.5g carbohydrates
Arrange the Board and Enjoy
Once you have collected all of your ingredients it's time to arrange them on the. Start by spreading out crackers and breads around the perimeter of the board.
Next, layer your different cheese types in groups or rows. Place some fresh fruits or dried fruits around the cheese for color and texture. Last, arrange your charcuterie slices in an alternating pattern across the center of the board. As a finishing touch, you can add some nuts and olives to any empty spaces. Now you are ready to enjoy your delicious creation!
Make sure to try each combination of wine and cheese together or separately so you can appreciate the flavors of each. Enjoy!
Conclusion
With all of these tips in hand, you can now enjoy the art of pairing wine and cheese for your charcuterie boards. It’s important to remember that the best way to find a successful wine pairing is through trial and error. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations using contrasting or complementary flavors, as well as playing with intensity and age.
Before you know it, you may become an expert! People from around the world choose to pair up different types of wines with their cheeses so why not join this timeless tradition? What will be your go-to wine and cheese combination? Let me know in the comments below!
Related Topics
5 must-have cheeses for your charcuterie board
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If you want your own personalized charcuterie board check out Ask Alex Wood Worx.
Alex Roig is the owner of Ask Alex Wood Worx, a high-end woodworking site that sells personalized charcuterie boards and other wood products. With 15 years of woodworking experience, Alex is a master of his craft. His attention to detail and passion for his work sets him apart from the competition.
When he's not in the workshop, you can find him spending time with his beautiful wife and daughters or working out and gardening (he has a gardening YouTube channel called Fathers Love Fathers Heal). But his true passion is making unique, one-of-a-kind charcuterie boards that are perfect for any occasion.