Planning the Menu: Perfect Pairings

Pairing various cheeses with the right kind of wine can be a bit tricky. Here are some useful tips:
1/ Gouda: This buttery cheese has a mild, nutty flavour while still retaining a slightly sweet aftertaste. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or White Burgundy compliments a lighter or young Gouda. Aged gouda pairs will with Merlot or a tasty Bordeaux.
2/ Brie: Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, or reds such as; Chianti, Bordeaux, or Beaujolais go very well with this creamy, soft, mild French cheese.
3/ Gruyere: This dense, compact cheese has a texture that is slightly grainy. It goes well with a wide variety of wines: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir and Italian Chianti.
4/ Parmigiano Reggiano: This Italian hard cheese has a very sharp and nutty flavour which pairs well with most medium to full-bodied wines such as Pinot Noir, Chianti Riserva, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Barbaresco.
5/ Aged Cheddar: The longer this type of cheese ages, the taste becomes sharper and the texture becomes harder and crumblier. Rioja, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc are a perfect pair for this delicious cheese.
Various other items to include on the platter
Nuts, honey, jams, fruit and fruit paste are the perfect accompaniment to any wine and cheese platter. Italian meats such as Salami, Pancetta, and Prosciutto will be the proverbial icing on the cake! As far as fruit is concerned, you can let your imagination run away with you. Most people prefer strawberries, pears and figs; as well as nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Top this off with any type of French bread such as a baguette or flatbread, or Table Water Crackers and you have the ideal menu.

Keep it Classy with Superb Presentation

While wine-tasting events are elegant, they are not necessarily formal events. It is a chance for the guests to mingle and chat, while nibbling on tasty food and tasting beautiful wine. Here are some tips to keep it classy but informal.
1/ Prepare place cards for the wine stations – informing each guest of the background of each wine.
2/ Serve the wine in striking decanters, but keep the rest of the décor minimal.
3/ Whether you have a ceramic, glass or wooden cheeseboard, the importance lies in giving the background of each cheese as well. Perhaps you can separate the platters into specific regions.
There you have it, the perfect menu for your bestie’s Bridal Shower.

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