Holiday Party Preparations: Building a Charcuterie Board to Pair with Specific Wines

Posted on November 19th, 2019

How do you build a what now?  A charcuterie board is a platter that is filled with cured meats, cheeses, veggies, crackers, nuts, olives, and so much more!  It is an appetizer of sorts that people can munch on while enjoying a nice glass of wine while the rest of the meal is in its final stages.  But not just any wine goes with just any charcuterie board.  Choose your favorite wine and create accordingly!

Standards for all Charcuterie Board building:

  1. Set your cheese out for about an hour ahead of time
  2. Choose your board. You could use a standard cutting board, a baking sheet or a wooden cutting board.
  3. Bowls or jars; choose a couple of small bowls for condiments.
  4. Strategically place your cheeses (based off of your wine, of course), feel free to arrange and re-arrange! There is no wrong way to place your treats!
  5. Meats; select your meats based off of the cheese as well as wine that you are serving. You can display them rolled into a design, flat, or just a small pile.
  6. Bread and crackers; select a variety of textures, from small water crackers to a crunchier toast

Building a Charcuterie Board to Pair with Pinot Noir: A pork-based charcuterie goes deliciously a Pinot Noir wine.

Consider these pork items for this charcuterie board with Pinot Noir Wine:

  • Prosciutto
  • Salami
  • Chorizo

 Consider these cheeses and fruits for this charcuterie board with Pinot Noir Wine:

  • Brie and apple
  • Mozzarella and grapes

Fill in space with nuts like almonds and walnuts and don’t forget to add condiments like mustard or honey for dipping!

Building a charcuterie board to Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon:

    Consider these meats for this charcuterie board with Cabernet Sauvignon:

  • Prosciutto
  • Salami
  • Turkey
  • Pate’

Consider these cheeses and fruits for this charcuterie board with Cabernet Sauvignon:

  • Havarti and Grapes
  • Sharp Cheddar and Blood Oranges
  • Parmesan and Pomegranates

Fill in extra spaces with olives, nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, Marcona almonds or candied nuts.

Building a charcuterie board to Pair with Chardonnay:

 Consider these meats for this charcuterie board with Chardonnay:

  • Prosciutto
  • Chicken
  • Shrimp

Consider these cheeses and fruits for this charcuterie board with Chardonnay:

  • Classic brie with dried oranges
  • Havarti with grilled pears

Fill in extra spaces with green olives, sesame crackers, and marcona almonds.

 

Don’t be afraid to ask your Reasor’s Wine Steward for more ideas for Wine and Cheese pairings or your Cheesemaster for help with a Charcuterie board!  Let Reasor’s make your holiday events merry and bright!