Save to Pinterest An elegant selection of gourmet bites artfully paired with a curated range of wines, perfect for sophisticated entertaining or a festive tasting experience.
I first served this platter at a holiday gathering and it was a huge hit with both wine lovers and those who preferred non-alcoholic options.
Ingredients
- Cheeses: 100 g Brie, sliced, 100 g aged Manchego, cut into wedges, 100 g blue cheese, crumbled
- Charcuterie (optional for non-vegetarian): 80 g prosciutto, 80 g dry-cured salami, sliced, 80 g smoked duck breast, thinly sliced
- Breads & Crackers: 1 small baguette, sliced, 100 g multigrain crackers
- Fresh Fruits: 1 bunch seedless grapes, 1 pear, thinly sliced, 1 apple, thinly sliced, 1 handful fresh figs, halved (seasonal)
- Nuts & Condiments: 50 g roasted almonds, 50 g walnuts, 60 g fig jam, 40 g honey
- Wine Pairings: 1 bottle dry Champagne, 1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc, 1 bottle Pinot Noir, 1 bottle aged Bordeaux
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Arrange the cheeses on a large platter, spacing them evenly.
- Step 2:
- Add the charcuterie in small folds or rolls beside the cheeses (omit or substitute with marinated grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option).
- Step 3:
- Place the bread slices and crackers in clusters around the edges of the platter.
- Step 4:
- Fill gaps with groups of fresh fruits, nuts, and small bowls of fig jam and honey.
- Step 5:
- Chill the wines to their optimal serving temperatures: Champagne (8°C/46°F), Sauvignon Blanc (10°C/50°F), Pinot Noir (14°C/57°F), Bordeaux (16°C/61°F).
- Step 6:
- Set up tasting glasses, and suggest the following pairings: Brie with Champagne or Pinot Noir, Manchego with Sauvignon Blanc, Blue cheese with Bordeaux or honey, Prosciutto and duck with Pinot Noir, Fruits and nuts with any wine especially Champagne.
Save to Pinterest This platter has become our go-to choice for family celebrations where everyone can enjoy a variety of tastes and textures.
Notes
Pairings can be adjusted according to wine availability and guest preference. Serve at room temperature for best flavor development.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or wooden board, cheese knives, small bowls for jams and honey, wine glasses, serving tongs or forks.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese), tree nuts (almonds walnuts), gluten (bread crackers), sulfites (wine), and possible pork (charcuterie). Those with allergies should double-check all product labels and swap components as needed.
Save to Pinterest This wine and food pairing platter is elegant yet simple making it perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses work best on this platter?
Soft Brie, aged Manchego, and tangy blue cheese offer a balanced flavor profile and texture contrast.
- → How can I adapt the platter for vegetarians?
Replace charcuterie with marinated artichokes, grilled zucchini, and roasted peppers for a flavorful vegetarian option.
- → What fruits pair well with the cheese and meats?
Fresh grapes, sliced pears and apples, and seasonal figs add sweetness and freshness to balance savory elements.
- → How should I serve the wines to complement the food?
Chill each wine to its ideal temperature: Champagne at 8°C, Sauvignon Blanc at 10°C, Pinot Noir at 14°C, and Bordeaux at 16°C.
- → What snacks enhance the texture of the platter?
Crunchy multigrain crackers, slices of baguette, roasted almonds, and walnuts provide texture contrasts and flavor depth.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
This spread includes dairy, tree nuts, gluten, sulfites, and pork products; always check labels and substitute when needed.