Pairing: Charcuterie

Charcuterie boards, featuring a selection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments, are perfectly complemented by a variety of wines. Wines with good acidity and freshness, such as dry rosé or sparkling wines like Prosecco, help to cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the meats and cheeses. Bold red wines, like Syrah or Zinfandel, pair well with stronger, spicier meats and aged cheeses, enhancing the savory flavors. Lighter wines, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir, are ideal for milder meats and fresh or soft cheeses, providing a harmonious pairing that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Meats: Prosciutto, salami, soppressata, chorizo, pâté, and Jamón Ibérico.
  • Cheeses: Aged cheddar, Gouda, Brie, Manchego, blue cheese, and fresh goat cheese.
  • Accompaniments: Fresh and dried fruits (grapes, figs, apricots), nuts (almonds, walnuts), olives, pickles, honey, jams, and crusty bread or crackers.

Instructions

  1. Choose a Variety of Meats and Cheeses: Select a mix of mild, medium, and bold meats such as prosciutto, soppressata, and spicy chorizo. Pair these with a range of cheeses, including a hard cheese (like Manchego), a soft cheese (such as Brie), and a fresh cheese (like goat cheese).
  2. Prepare the Board: Arrange the meats and cheeses on a large wooden board or platter. Group similar items together, and use small bowls for any wet items like olives or pickles.
  3. Add Accompaniments: Fill in the gaps with a variety of accompaniments like fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and condiments. Include some crunchy elements like breadsticks, crackers, or sliced baguette.
  4. Pair with Wines: Choose wines that complement the flavors of the charcuterie. For a refreshing contrast to fatty meats, select a dry rosé or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For more robust meats and aged cheeses, opt for a bold red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel. Serve the wines slightly chilled to enhance their freshness and pairing versatility.

Serve With

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

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Sauvignon Blanc

A highly aromatic white wine grape variety known for its refreshing acidity and diverse flavor profile

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Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied red wine known for its elegance and complexity.

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Samplers

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