Imagine this: a beautiful spread of cheeses, each carefully selected to tantalise your taste buds, paired with a glass of your favourite wine. A cheese platter is more than just a collection of tasty treats; it's an invitation to explore new flavours, textures, and combinations.
At BoundbyWine, we believe a well-crafted cheese platter isn't just an appetiser; it's an experience that elevates any occasion. Whether you're hosting a grand soirée or a cosy night in, we've got the insider tips to help you create a cheese platter that will leave your guests wanting more.
Choosing the Right Cheeses
The key to a truly memorable cheese platter is the selection of cheeses, and there's no shortage of cheese platter ideas to spark inspiration! Aim for a variety showcasing various flavours, textures, and milk types. Think of it as curating a playlist – you want a mix of genres to keep things interesting. If you're looking for a simple cheese platter, three or four types of cheese are enough to offer a delightful tasting experience.
When choosing wines to pair with your cheese platter, or any other food in fact, there are a few consistent “rules”, which could be summarised to:
- Match the Intensity: Your wine should always be as intense or slightly more intense than the food. So the heavier and stronger the cheese, the more you would need a heavier wines.
- Balance the Extremes: If you are going for something that is particularly spicy or bitter, you would want to balance those profiles, so that you get a harmonious experience. If you have spicy or bitter foods, you would want a sweeter wine to balance these flavours.
- Match the Strongest Food: Your wine should be able to match up to the strongest food on your plate. So for example, if you are pairing your cheese with a heavy dip, like an onion chutney or strawberry jam, you would want to focus on pairing the wine with the dip. Similarly, if you have a variety of cheeses served at the same time and only have one wine to serve, think about pairing with the heaviest or second heaviest cheese.
- Complement the Tastes: If you have something quite nutty or savoury, you would want to look for similar profiles in the wine, so that the flavours are harmonious when consuming food and wine together.
Here are a few flavour profiles to consider when choosing the type of cheese for your cheese platter:
- Mild: Brie, Camembert, and Gouda offer a creamy, buttery, and slightly nutty experience, perfect for easing into the cheese platter journey.
- Sharp: Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan bring a bold, tangy punch to the table, adding depth and complexity to your selection.
- Funky: Blue cheese and Gorgonzola, with their characteristic blue veins and intense aromas, add an adventurous twist for the more daring palate.
- Creamy: Goat cheese and Burrata offer a luscious, spreadable texture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with both red and white wines.
Don't forget to embrace the seasons! Incorporate seasonal cheeses to add a touch of freshness and excitement to your platter. Ask for ideas or recommendations on what's in season and ready to shine on your platter.
Pairing Cheese with Wine
Pairing cheese with wine is an art form, but it doesn't have to be intimidating. Some classic combinations, like Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese or Cabernet Sauvignon with aged cheddar, are always a safe bet. But don't be afraid to experiment! A sweet Riesling wine from our collection can beautifully balance the saltiness of blue cheese, while a fruity dessert wine might surprise you alongside a creamy Brie. Our team at BoundbyWine is always on hand to offer recommendations and help you discover your own unique pairings.
Cheese Platter Presentation and Accompaniments
A well-presented cheese platter is a feast for the eyes and the palate. There are countless cheese board ideas and cheese platter presentation tips to help you craft a visually appealing spread. Arrange your cheeses artfully on a board or platter, considering colours, textures, and spacing. Add visual interest with various accompaniments, like crusty bread, sliced fruits, nuts, olives, honey, and jams. Remember, these additions should complement the cheese for your charcuterie board and enhance the overall tasting experience. If you're wondering how to make a cheese platter, remember it's all about balance and variety.
Elevate Your Wine Experience
A thoughtfully crafted cheese platter can transform a simple wine tasting into an unforgettable experience. It's an opportunity to explore new flavours, discover surprising pairings, and share the joy of good food and wine with friends and family.
At BoundbyWine, we're passionate about helping you create those moments. So, gather your favourite people, order wine online or visit our storefront in Joo Chiat Rd, and let the delicious adventure begin!
