The sun is out in all its glory. The days are luxuriously long. The season for outdoor entertaining is upon us, and nothing goes better with good company than good wine and a beautiful summer-themed charcuterie board.
There’s an art to charcuterie that goes beyond a meat and cheese mashup. And although we like meat and cheese, we love a skillfully built board so much more. Here are some ideas for constructing a killer summer board, as well as great wines to serve alongside.
First, visualize
When planning your board, think about interesting contrasts in flavor, color and texture. Don’t forget, we eat with our eyes first.
Start with the cheese
If you’re unsure, go with the rule of three; one soft, one aged, and one funky. That way there are enough options for variety, but not so many as to overwhelm. Try herbed goat or warm brie, a block of aged sheep’s milk pecorino or Sicilian pepato, and a Danish or Stilton Blue.
Move on to meats
One or two is probably enough, but no one will complain about choice here. A salty prosciutto is a classic choice and a great match for creamy cheese and fresh fruit. You can also consider a thinly sliced Genoa salami, a spicy pepperoni, or an uncured soppressata.
Go seasonal with fruit
Save the dried fruit for winter, and have fun with fresh. Berries are a big win. Seedless grapes work well. Even summer melon and stone fruit are fair game, if sliced and finger-friendly.
Find some fresh veg
Summer veggies can add a fresh, satisfying crunch and a pop of color to your charcuterie. Try baby carrots, slices of crisp bell pepper and cherry tomatoes.
…and some pickled veg, too
Take your pick, pickled anything works. Try marinated olives, pickled onions or gherkins, but feel free to get creative – even pickled asparagus is amazing.
Balance with bread
Toasted baguette slices are a great summer choice, and contrasts nicely with seasoned artisanal crackers.
Add accompaniments
The summer season loves a dip (or three). Hummus, pesto, whole-grain mustard, or fresh berry jam are all welcome options.
Fill in the blanks
For the finishing touch, sprinkle any combination of raw or roasted nuts, summer herbs or fresh flowers in any open spaces. Step back and admire. You’ve done it, you charcuterie genius.
But what about the wine?
Don’t worry, we wouldn’t forget. For a summer charcuterie masterpiece like this, you have many options. We recommend having a few bottles to choose from, so your guests can explore even more combinations. Here are a few to consider:
Sparkling wine is the epitome of a charcuterie pairing, and our 2019 Brut Rosé is a prime example. Light, bright and summery, our Brut Rosé is made in the traditional method, which creates the longest-lasting bubbles. Plus, it pairs with basically anything — including everything on your board.
Red – 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve Amphora Aged
When it comes to reds, something on the lighter side is a safe bet for a summer board. Our bright, medium-bodied 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve Amphora Aged makes a great pairing for cured meats and is versatile enough to complement a range of cheeses.
For whites, look for clean fruit flavors and refreshing acidity. A refreshing blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, our 2020 Cuvée is aromatic, crisp, and has just the right amount of spice.
You can find all available vintages in our tasting room and our online wine store. Don’t forget that we ship to 40 states. Join our wine club for access to limited releases and preferential pricing. And happy summer from all of us at M Cellars.
