What is the best wine for your drinks platter?

When you’re hosting a cozy get-together, you want everything to be perfect, including the wine. However, choosing the right wine can be a challenge, especially with so many options available. After all, you want your platter to not only be appealing, but also provide a delicious taste experience for your guests. In this blog post, we’ll help you find the best wine choices that perfectly match the various delicacies on your platter. Whether you’re a fan of cheese, charcuterie, or vegetables, we’ll help you combine the flavors optimally and make your get-together unforgettable.

What is a Borrelplank?

A snack platter is an attractively presented platter full of various snacks and treats, ideal for a cozy get-together with friends or family. The goal of a snack platter is to create an informal and inviting atmosphere in which food and togetherness are central. The creative combination of flavors and textures makes it a culinary experience that everyone can appreciate.

Elements of a Snack Board

A well-composed snack platter consists of a variety of ingredients that complement each other. Below we discuss the most important elements that you can find on a snack platter.

Cheeses

Cheeses are the foundation of any snack platter. They offer different flavors and textures that go perfectly with other ingredients. Some popular cheeses are:

• Brie: This soft cheese has a creamy texture and a mild flavor. Brands such as President or The Vache Who Rides are excellent choices.
• Gouda: A hard cheese that is available in different stages of maturation. Try Beemster or Old Amsterdam for a rich and full flavour.
• Blue cheese: For lovers of strong flavors, Roquefort or Stilton a good addition.

Meats

Cold cuts bring saltiness and heartiness to the snack platter. Different types of cold cuts offer a range of flavors, including:

• Salami: A popular choice that pairs well with cheese. Brands such as Citterio or Mövenpick offer quality options.
• Prosciutto: This Italian ham is deliciously thinly sliced and adds a delicate flavor. Brands like San Daniele are an excellent choice.
• Chorizo: For a spicy kick, choose a good quality chorizo such as Palacios.

Nuts

Nuts are a great addition to the snack platter, providing a crunch that complements the soft textures of cheese and meats. Popular choices include:

• Almonds: Roasted or salted, almonds are a versatile and healthy option.
• Walnuts: These nuts have a rich flavor and are perfect for those who love a firm crunch.
• Pistachios: The unique flavor and color make pistachios a festive addition.

Fruit

Fruit adds a sweet and refreshing dimension to the snack platter. Some popular fruit options include:

• Grapes: Easy to eat and perfect to combine with cheese.
• Figure: Fresh or dried figs add a complex sweetness.
• Apple: Thin slices of a fresh apple, such as the Granny Smith, can provide a delicious balance with cheese.

Dips

Dips are essential to complete a snack platter. They add an extra layer of flavor and versatility. Consider the following options:

• Hummus: This popular chickpea puree is available in different flavors, such as natural, paprika or garlic.
• Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that goes perfectly with tortilla chips.
• Tapenade: A tasty olive paste, ideal for spreading on crackers or bread.

Practical Tips for a Successful Snack Platter

When putting together your drinks platter, there are some practical tips to keep in mind:

• Diversity: Balance different flavors and textures. Mix soft cheeses with hard cheeses, and add both sweet and savory elements.
• Presentation: Use different bowls and trays to create height and variety. Arrange the ingredients in a visually appealing way.
• Portion size: Cut the cheeses and meats into bite-sized pieces so your guests can easily grab what they want.

With these elements and tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and inviting snack platter that's sure to delight your guests.

Wine and Cheese: A Perfect Pairing

Pairing wine and cheese is a centuries-old culinary tradition that delights the senses and delights the taste buds. The right wine can accentuate the flavors of cheese and even reveal new ones. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the ideal wine pairings for different cheeses and offer practical tips for creating perfect pairings.

White Wines and Cheeses

White wines are often an excellent choice with different types of cheese. Their fresh and fruity character can balance the creaminess of many cheeses.

• Chardonnay: This full-bodied wine goes perfectly with creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert. Recommended is the Louis Jadot Chardonnay from Burgundy, which has a rich taste with a hint of vanilla.
• Sauvignon Blanc: This fresh, spicy wine goes well with young cheeses such as Goat Cheese or Feta. Try the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand for a lively and spicy experience.
• Riesling: A sweet Riesling like the Dr. Loosen Riesling from the Mosel region is ideal with blue cheeses such as Roquefort. The sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of the cheese beautifully.

Red Wines and Cheeses

Red wines often have a more powerful character and can be a great complement to strong cheeses.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied wine with its firm tannins goes well with aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano. The Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice with a rich, complex flavor.
• Merlot: Merlot, like the Château La Pointe, is very versatile and can go well with soft cheeses such as Brie, but also with hard cheeses such as Gouda.
• Pinot Noir: This lighter red wine is perfect with cheeses such as Gruyère or Emmental. Try the Burgundy Pinot Noir for an elegant pairing.

Sparkling Wines and Cheeses

Sparkling wines are festive and can pair surprisingly well with many types of cheese.

• Champagne: The dry and complex flavors of a good Champagne, such as Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, are delicious with salty cheeses such as Comté or even with a creamy Camembert.
• Prosecco: This slightly sweet, sparkling wine goes well with fresh cheeses such as Mozzarella. The The Gioiosa Prosecco is an excellent choice that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
• Cava: The Spanish sparkling wine, such as Freixenet Cordon Negro, can pair well with a variety of cheeses, from soft brie to spicy blue-veined cheeses.

Tips for Choosing the Right Wine

When choosing the right wine to pair with cheese, there are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Taste Profile of the Cheese: Determine whether the cheese is creamy, salty, sharp, or mild and choose a wine that complements or contrasts these flavors.
• Age of the Cheese: Younger cheeses often go well with fresh wines, while older cheeses go better with fuller wines.
• Texture of the Cheese: Soft cheeses often call for lighter wines, while hard cheeses can tolerate richer, fuller wines.

Combination table

By choosing the right wine based on the specific characteristics of the cheese, you can create a harmonious and unforgettable taste experience. Have fun exploring these delicious combinations!

Meats and Wine: What Pairs Best?

Pairing meats with wine is an art in itself. The right wine can accentuate the flavors of the meats and create a harmonious dining experience. In this section, we’ll explore some popular types of meats, discuss their flavor profiles, and provide recommendations for pairing wines.

Salami

Flavor Profile
Salami has a rich, fatty flavor with spices like pepper, garlic, and fennel. The complexity of the flavors in salami calls for a wine that can complement them without overwhelming them.

Recommended Wines

• Chianti Classico: The fresh acidity and tannins of Chianti, for example Castello di Ama Chianti Classico, form a nice balance with the fattiness of salami.
• Zinfandel: A fruity Zinfandel, like Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel, can enhance the spices and savory flavor of the salami.

Prosciutto

Flavor Profile
Prosciutto is a dry, salted ham with a subtle, sweet flavor. Its delicate texture and salty taste call for a wine that can accentuate these nuances without overwhelming.

Recommended Wines

• Prosecco: The sparkle and freshness of Prosecco, like The Brand Prosecco, make it an excellent choice to contrast the salty flavors of prosciutto.
• Pinot Grigio: A light, fresh Pinot Grigio, like Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, can complement the delicate flavors of prosciutto and freshen the dining experience.

Pate

Flavor Profile
Pate is often rich and creamy, with a variety of flavors depending on the ingredients. The combination of fat and spice calls for a wine that can both cut through the richness and complement the flavors.

Recommended Wines

• Sauternes: The sweetness and complexity of Sauternes, for example Château d'Yquem, provides a wonderful contrast to the salty and rich flavors of pâté.
• Merlot: A soft, fruity Merlot, like Château La Fleur de Boüard, complements the savoury flavours of pate and creates a harmonious combination.

Comparison Table of Wine and Meats

Practical Tips for Pairing Meats and Wine

1. Try different combinations: It's important to experiment with different wines and meats to find what works best for you.
2. Pay attention to the temperature: Serve wines at the right temperature. Reds should usually be slightly cooler than room temperature, while white wines are often served chilled.
3. Use tasting notes: Make notes of which combinations appeal to you, so you can remember your preferences for future occasions.

With these guidelines and recommendations, you'll be better prepared to create a delicious meat and wine pairing that's sure to impress your guests.

Conclusion: Find the perfect wine for your drinking experience

In conclusion, selecting the best wine for your snack platter is a personal and enjoyable experience. We have discussed different types of wines that pair well with various cheese and charcuterie options. For a classic snack platter, we recommend a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, while a full-bodied Merlot is perfect for richer flavors. Remember that the best wine ultimately depends on your personal preferences and those of your guests. Experiment with different wines and flavors to discover the ideal complement to your snack platter. Enjoy the process and toast to the discoveries ahead!