It’s not a cocktail party without the basic cheese and charcuterie platter. It’s as simple as choosing a selection of cheeses and meats and placing on a nice platter with some spreads and garnishes and of course, the right wines.
Select a wide range of cheeses to appeal to all palates. The platter should have at least 3 different cheeses. Adding garnishes like fig spread, honey, grapes, apples and dried fruits help take your platter to the next level. Don’t forget some crackers and hearty bread.
Common charcuterie selections include salami, chorizo, paté, speck, proscuitto, soppressata and more.
Check out these basic cheese and wine pairings:
Goat Cheese – soft, goat milk, “chevre” ------- Crisp, acidic White – Sauvignon Blanc
Blue Cheese – soft, cow, sheep or goat ------- Sweet, dessert wine – Port or Sauternes
Brie – soft, cow’s milk ------- Full-bodied, round White - Chardonnay
Cheddar – firm, cow’s milk ------- Tannic, bold Red – Cabernet Sauvignon
Gouda – firm, cow’s milk ------- Fruity, balanced Red – Merlot
Manchego – firm, sheep’s milk, Spain ------- Rich, fruity Red – Malbec
Favorite ways for plating:
* On a wooden chopping block * On a slate board
Select a wide range of cheeses to appeal to all palates. The platter should have at least 3 different cheeses. Adding garnishes like fig spread, honey, grapes, apples and dried fruits help take your platter to the next level. Don’t forget some crackers and hearty bread.
Common charcuterie selections include salami, chorizo, paté, speck, proscuitto, soppressata and more.
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| Via A Beautiful Mess |
Goat Cheese – soft, goat milk, “chevre” ------- Crisp, acidic White – Sauvignon Blanc
Blue Cheese – soft, cow, sheep or goat ------- Sweet, dessert wine – Port or Sauternes
Brie – soft, cow’s milk ------- Full-bodied, round White - Chardonnay
Cheddar – firm, cow’s milk ------- Tannic, bold Red – Cabernet Sauvignon
Gouda – firm, cow’s milk ------- Fruity, balanced Red – Merlot
Manchego – firm, sheep’s milk, Spain ------- Rich, fruity Red – Malbec
Favorite ways for plating:
* On a wooden chopping block * On a slate board