Sometimes it’s just easier to taste wine at home, especially in the middle of a pandemic. But what kind of snacks would pair well with wine? When thinking of the perfect wine tasting snacks that are as versatile as wine, the first thing that comes to mind, is a charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”).
What is Charcuterie?
According to Wikipedia, “Charcuterie is a French term for a branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork.”
Today, many people know charcuterie as an assortment of meats, cheeses, crackers, bread, fruits, nuts, and sauces.
The 5 Best Snacks to Pair With a Wine Tasting
1. Choose a variety of cured meats:
Choose a variety of cured meats ranging from finnocchiona, hot and mild soppressata, prosciutto de Parma, and speck.
2. Use a variety of cheeses made with different milks and having different colors:
Choose a variety of cheeses ranging from aged cheese, soft and creamy cheese, crumbly cheese, firm cheese, smoked cheese, and blue cheese.
3. Add a sweet and or spicy element:
Adding fresh or dried fruit, jams, or honey will give your guests the opportunity to create their own sweet and savory concoctions.
4. Fan Out the Crackers:
Pick out a mixture of crackers to add a crunchy element to your board. From buttery to whole grain and from flat to breadstick.
5. Garnish and complete your masterpiece:
Add nuts, olives, whole grain mustard, or pickled vegetables to round out your charcuterie board.
My Latest Shopping Trip To Hy-Vee Grocery Store For a Charcuterie
This is most easy and basic charcuterie board example:
Top (left to right): Wellington Traditional Water Crackers, Wellington Toasted Sesame Water Crackers, Somerdale Red Rustic Cheddar, Artisan Soirée Smoked Gouda, and Artisan Soirée Imported Manchego, Aged 6 Months.
Bottom (left to right): Columbus Charcuterie Sampler, HyVee Dried Cherries, Marcona Almonds, and Sartori Espresso Bellavitano Reserve Cheese.
Don’t Forget To Grab The Wine!
Check out these wine reviews to find a wine for your next wine tasting party.
Aurora – Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, MN
Minnesota N’ice Wine – Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, MN
Raspberry Infusion – St. Croix Vineyards in Stillwater, MN
Seyval Blanc – Alexis Bailly Vineyard in Hastings, MN
Hot Dish Red – Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, MN
Thin Blue Vine Itasca Wine – Wild Oaks Ranch Vineyard, Lakeville, MN
Marquette – Schram Vineyards, Waconia, MN
Brianna – Round Lake Vineyards and Winery, Round Lake, MN
St. Croix – Indian Island Winery, Janesville, MN
La Crescent – Chankaska, Kasota, MN
Boundary Waters Red – North Shore Winery, Lutsen, MN
Stinger Mead – WineHaven, Chisago City, MN
Marquette 2017 – Parley Lake Winery, Waconia, MN
