Create a Legendary Charcuterie

Create a charcuterie board this season to celebrate perfect pairings

Charcuterie boards are the ultimate flavour and visual delight—savoury, sweet, aromatic and palate-balancing morsels arranged to pique the senses and bring people together in the spirit of sharing.

Principle Fine Wines ‘Master of Wine’ Elsa Macdonald says the focus should be on creating a visual—as well as culinary—masterpiece.

“Matching ‘patterned’ cheese and crackers—both have flecks of contrasting colours—satisfies the idea that we first eat with our eyes,” she says. “Worry less about the rules of how things ‘go together’ and select items that simply bring you delight.”

To create the ultimate charcuterie, gather small dishes—preferably in neutral colours with the odd splash of colour—a board or boards for serving, and a fine mix of savoury and sweet ingredients, including meats, fruits, herbs, nuts, and sauces. But, of course, the entire creation is anchored by cheese and fine wine to pair it with.

From classic cheddars and nutty Beemster to fresh goat cheese and creamy gouda, a robust selection, paired with two time-honoured classic wines—the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc—is the foundation of charcuterie success.

Check out this video on assembling the perfect culinary centrepiece and see below for a list of ingredients we think will wow your guests all year long…

Our recipe

Cheeses

• Pairing with Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Asiago, Gouda, Beemster, Apenzeller, Old Cheddar and Blue Cheese
• Pairing with Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc: Goat Cheese, Tuscan Pecorino (sheep’s milk), Gouda and Cheddar

Meats

• Mortadella
• Salami
• Prosciutto

Savoury

• Kalamata Olives
• Tangerine and Chili Green Olives
• Sicilian Marinated Olives

Sweet

• Figs
• Apples
• Mandarin Oranges
• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Raspberries

Nuts

• Marcona Almonds
• Walnuts
• Dark Chocolate Almond Bark

Crackers and Bread

• Fig and Olive Oil Crackers
• Cheese Crostini
• Baguette

Sauces

• Fig and Walnut Wine Jam
• Peach and Jalapeno Jam

Herbs

• Rosemary sprigs
• Basil leaves

Master your charcuterie board by pairing your favourite cheeses with the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Napa Valley Fumé Blanc. Purchase your Robert Mondavi wines at Everything Wine, B.C. Liquor stores and other select wine shops this holiday season.

For more information, visit Everything Wine or B.C. Liquor stores online or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

CREATED BY BCLIVING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRINCIPLE FINE WINES