Question: Why do charcuterie boards and wine work so well together?
Answer: They bring out the best in each other.
Combining wine and charcuterie boards is like orchestrating a symphony of flavors on your palate. The medley of textures, fats, salt, and spice in the delightful assortment of charcuterie items harmoniously interacts with the diverse notes of wine—and vice versa. In this intricate dance, the savory charms of cheese enhance the fruity overtones of sparkling and light-bodied white wines (for example, Prosecco). Meanwhile, zesty, acidic wines such as Sauvignon Blanc beautifully cut through the luscious richness of creamy cheeses. The robust flavors of cured meats and nuts balance the tannins of bold wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a mutual elevation—wine elevating food and food enhancing wine.
How to Assemble the Ultimate Charcuterie Board
Follow our step-by-step guide to create your very own charcuterie board wine pairings to wow your guests:
STEP 1: START WITH THE CHEESE
It won’t be a charcuterie board without a generous spread of cheese. (So much cheese!) Different cheeses complement different wines. Choose a few cheeses from a variety of families to match the wine you want to serve:
Aged, hard cheeses are saltier and stronger in flavor.
Choose from: Aged Cheddar, Manchego (a Spanish cheese), Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano.
Pair with: Enjoy with sparkling wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, or full-bodied white.
Blue cheese is sharp, salty and... stinky pungent!
Choose from: Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Roquefort.
Pair with: Fruity, sweet wine like Port that balance the saltiness, or strong whites like Chardonnay, and reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
Semi-hard cheeses are mild in flavor.
Choose from: Gouda, Gruyère, Swiss, Emmental, and halloumi.
Pair with: Pair with lightly oaked Chardonnay or medium reds like Cabernet Franc or Zinfandel.
Soft ripe cheeses
This style is usually coated with a pale, velvety rind. It offers bright flavors and buttery softness that is always a hit with guests.
Choose from: Triple Cream, Brie, Camembert, or goat’s cheese.
Match with: Match with sparkling wine, Rosé, or medium-bodied whites like unoaked Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
Fresh cheeses
Fresh cheeses have higher acidity so the right wine needs to cut through that richness in order to pass muster.
Choose from: Burrata, fresh mozzarella, and chèvre (goat cheese).
Pair with: Acidic and light-bodied wines like bubbly, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and light reds.
STEP 2: ADD SOME CHARCUTERIE (VARIETY OF MEATS)
Charcuterie is a French term for prepared meat products primarily from pork. (When translated directly, it means "pork butcher shop.") 🇫🇷🐖
Bold flavors, if you dare
Choose from: Bresaola, black truffle salami, and country pâté.
Pairs well with: Medium to full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay. Juicy and spicy reds like Syrah, Zinfandel or Malbec.
Stronger flavor but not too smoky
Choose from: Speck (smoked prosciutto), guanciale, lardo, chorizo picante, coppa, pastrami, peppered salami, and foie gras.
Pairs well with: Fruity white wine like Viognier or medium-bodied reds like a Zinfandel or look for a "red blend."
Meats with a milder flavor
Choose from: Prosciutto, dry-cured salami, summer sausage, or mild chicken liver mousse.
Pairs well with: Sparkling wine, Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc, a Rosé, and light or medium-bodied reds.
STEP 3: ADD OLIVES OR PICKLED VEGETABLES
Incorporating olives and pickled vegetables into your charcuterie board not only adds a vibrant visual element but also enriches the flavor profile of your culinary spread. The combination with acidic and fruity wines elevates your tasting experience, creating a delightful harmony of tanginess, fruitiness, and balance. Pair your artichoke hearts, pickled cucumbers, and roasted, smoky peppers with wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or Merlot. It’s always useful to have a couple of these in your food cupboard for when an impromptu happy hour pops up.
STEP 4: CHOOSE THE BEST FRUIT AND NUTS
Fruit and nuts bring the perfect balance of salty and sweet to your charcuterie board. Choose fresh and seasonal fruit like grapes, berries, or figs—or try dried fruit like apricots or apples. Nuts introduce a fascinating contrast of textures to your charcuterie board. The crunchiness of nuts creates a dynamic interplay with the creaminess of cheeses and the tenderness of cured meats. Moreover, the inherent oils in nuts release subtle flavors as they're bitten into, contributing an extra layer of taste complexity. Unsalted, salted, or candied nuts are all great additions. Opt for almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, and/or cashews.
STEP 5: OILS AND SPREADS
A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over a slice of crusty bread not only adds a delightful richness but also infuses a hint of herbal and fruity notes. Fruit jams or preserves go well with creamy, tangy cheeses and salty mild charcuterie. Creamy and tangy cheeses find a natural companion in the luscious sweetness of fig or apricot jam. It also provides the perfect canvas for the zing of red pepper jelly. The velvety sweetness of honey complements the salty and pungent profiles of blue cheeses, creating a delightful contrast that awakens the taste buds.
STEP 6: OFFER A VARIETY OF CRACKERS AND BREAD
Sliced baguette, fresh ciabatta, homemade sourdough, toasted crostini, breadsticks, or multi-seed or rice crackers are just some of the hundreds of scrumptious options out there. Let your cheese and spread options guide your choice. See if you can add some gluten-free options to accommodate all your guests.
STEP 7: NOW PUT IT ALL TOGETHER, BEAUTIFULLY
Choose a flat surface like a wooden tray, large board, or platter.
Place small bowls in a triangle on your surface. Fill it with olives, spreads, and oils.
Cut your cheese into different shapes (i.e. cubes or triangles) and serve semi-soft cheese with a cheese knife.
See our guide to make salami roses for a fancy way to style cold cuts.
Fold your charcuterie (it looks impressive and is easier to pick up).
Arrange all your elements starting from around the small bowls and working outward.
Add some flair with fresh garnishes like fruit, edible flowers, fresh herbs, or microgreens.
Elevate Your Charcuterie Board: Impress With These Pro Tips
Crafting an exceptional charcuterie board goes beyond taste – it's about engaging all the senses. Here are key strategies to create a truly remarkable experience:
1. Keep it Colorful: We Eat with Our Eyes First
Appeal to visual senses by incorporating an array of vibrant colors. Fresh fruits, colorful veggies, and even edible flowers not only elevate the look but also provide a variety of flavors and textures that make each bite a delightful adventure.
2. Play with Texture: Creamy, Crunchy, Gooey, and Crumbly
Texture adds a tactile dimension to your board's appeal. Offer a diverse range of textures, from creamy cheeses to crunchy nuts, gooey spreads, and crumbly crackers. This sensory variety makes every bite engaging and satisfying.
3. Match Flavors Strategically: Enhancing the Wine Pairings
Pairing wines with your charcuterie selection is an art. Consider the interplay of flavors when combining cheeses, meats, and accompaniments. Delicate wines like Sauvignon Blanc match milder cheeses, while a bolder red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon accentuate bold charcuterie. These flavor pairings enhance both the wine and the food, resulting in an unforgettable tasting experience.
4. Embrace Flavor Variety: Pleasing Every Palate
Cater to diverse preferences by offering an assortment of sweet, savory, tangy, and even spicy components. A balance of flavors ensures that everyone finds something to enjoy. From the sweetness of fresh fruits to the depth of aged cheeses and the zest of cured meats, your charcuterie board becomes a harmonious symphony of tastes.
5. Optimal Cheese Temperature: Elevating Flavor Complexity
Room temperature cheeses aren't just a formality—they're a game-changer! Chilled temperatures can dampen the flavors of cheese, masking intricate nuances. Allow cheeses to rest outside the fridge for about 30 minutes to one hour before serving. This simple step amplifies their taste, revealing layers of complexity that might otherwise go unnoticed. That said, not all cheeses should be served at room temperature. Soft and ripe cheeses generally benefit from room temperature, while some hard and aged cheeses might become overly soft or even oily at room temperature. So, it's advisable to research the specific cheese you're serving to determine the optimal temperature.
6. Navigate Tannins: Harmonize Wine and Food
Tannins in wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah can be both a blessing and a challenge. While they provide structure and depth, they can clash with certain flavors. Avoid pairing tannin-rich wines with anything overly sweet, spicy, or bitter on your board. Opt for complementary flavors that create a harmonious balance on your palate.
Crafting a mesmerizing charcuterie board engages sight, touch, and taste. By thoughtfully incorporating colors, textures, flavors, and wine pairings, you'll orchestrate an immersive experience that captivates your guests' senses.
Remember, the best charcuterie platter wine pairings comes from the heart (and a little bit of creativity.) You don't have to be a wine expert! There's no such thing as the perfect board. It's all about your personal preference and the vibe you're going for.
Cheers to an amazing charcuterie board and a wonderful selection of wines that will surprise and delight your guests at your next special occasions! 🥂🧀🍇
About the Author
Husband and wife team Jason and Erin 👩❤️👨 created Honest Woodcraft in 1999 with a simple goal of bringing nature home. At Honest Woodcraft our hardwood products are a natural choice for entertaining as they are durable, functional and stylish enough to take center stage. Residing in Northern California in the bucolic Sonoma County wine country they enjoy trying wineries off the beaten path and Bowman Cellars in Graton, Calif. is one of their favorite recent finds! If you’re in the area, we highly recommend a visit.
