Small parties and intimate social gatherings always call for a cheese and charcuterie board. Ever tried out a platter where all the items served are paired deliciously well together? Knowing how to pair food that complements and enhances each other’s taste is an art. Only a few know and understand how to do it right. Get a one-of-a-kind experience with these five wine, beer, cheese, and jerky pairings. Serving these crowd-pleasers will make your guests go berserk! Their flavours go so well together that it is bound to wow anyone.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon, Blue Cheese, Smoked Beef Jerky, and Brown Ale
Our first pairing is a burst of strong flavors. Smoked beef jerky is a classic. Made with lean meat that has been smoked to perfection, this delicious jerky will grace any charcuterie board.
Always buy jerky made with grass-fed beef, which is healthier and more flavorful than others. Buy delicious jerky online at https://jerkybrands.com/.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red that is popular for its extreme personality. It has deep fruity flavours and is heavy on both tannins and alcohol.
Someone who has an eye for a good bottle of wine will readily reach for cabernet sauvignon. This wine complements red meat like no other. Pair smoked beef jerky and a glass of this heavy red with strong blue cheese.
If you’d rather have a beer instead, grab a mug of brown ale. In contrast to the fruity wine, brown ale’s comforting malty flavours will bring some balance to the equation.
2. Riesling, Brie, Chipotle Lime Beef, and IPA
Thinking of building a charcuterie board around a spicy and tangy jerky? Chipotle lime beef is the jerky you want.
Just as you need to find the best beef for your dish to be memorable, flavorful seasoning is just as important. The citrusy burst of lime is an unparalleled match for dark and smoky chipotle jerky. Ease the heat with a refreshing sip of sweet Riesling.
Riesling’s deep flavours resonate with that of apple and peach. It is so aromatic that it’s almost floral. Serve it chilled along with the feisty jerky and soft brie.
Brie’s creaminess cuts down on the tang of lime while enhancing the sweetness of Riesling. Want something more bitter to pair with your Brie? Opt for Indian pale ale. Its hoppiness will cut down the cream and refresh your palate.
IPA works well with the salty tartness of chipotle lime beef. The great thing about this pairing is that each item can cut down the extremeness of the other.
3. Pinot Noir, Emmental, Black Pepper Turkey Jerky, and Pilsner
Earthy and spicy pinot noir is flavorful. If you get a fruitier bottle, it will taste great with poultry meat like chicken and duck. It makes a great companion for peppery jerkies. Crushed black pepper turkey jerky has an earthy aroma that is a great match for pinot noir.
Even though pinot noir is mostly medium-bodied, you should still pair it with a strong cheese such as Emmental. Its nutty flavour and fruity hints are a great match for the herbal flavour of the wine.
Your turkey jerky with its earthy seasoning will enhance the nuttiness of Emmental. The jerky is chewy, but the medium hardness of the cheese also gives you a bite.
You want to pair a light and crisp beer with your deep Emmental. A pilsner beer with soft hoppiness is perfect for amplifying the flavour of this earthy cheese. It also helps tone down the zestiness of the black pepper turkey.
4. Grenache Rosé, Goat Gouda, Honey Sriracha Bacon, and Sour Beer
Even though Grenache rosé is one of the driest rosés, it has a wide array of sweet fruity notes like watermelon and berries.
Serve it on a platter of goat Gouda and juicy fruits like watermelon, plum, and strawberries. The red fruitiness of rosé paired with the creamy sweet fresh Gouda tastes almost like strawberry and cream.
Pork and white meats pair nicely with Grenache, especially cured bacon jerky. Sweet and spicy seasoning like sriracha and honey complements the tangy aftertaste of the rosé.
The soft butterscotch flavour of fresh goat Gouda brings a unique creamy challenge to the sweet and spicy bacon jerky. Its creaminess tones down the heat, making the combination taste more balanced.
A great alternative to tart Grenache rosé is sour beer. It tastes fruity and funky, giving your sweet and spicy bacon jerky the same kick as a dry rosé.
5. Sauvignon Blanc, Cheddar, Biltong, and Porter
About 500 years ago, South Africans came up with a way to cure beef for future use. The result was a well seasoned jerky-like food called Biltong. This foreign jerky has been gaining steady popularity all over the world.
Although white wine is generally drunk with poultry meat and fish, one particular variety pairs well with lean red or game meat. Sauvignon blanc sports a blast of distinct citrus flavours like grapefruit and lime. Its tartness cuts down on the heavy seasoning of biltong, adding an excellent contrast.
Biltong has a strong flavour, and a sharp cheese like Cheddar can become its perfect companion on the cheeseboard. The pungent and earthy flavour of Cheddar makes it pair well with the acidity of sauvignon blanc.
Salty biltong pairs well with the chocolate, coffee, and caramel notes of porter beers. Serve the beer chilled to enhance the crisp taste, and it will easily complement Cheddar.
Final Thoughts
We hope these five wine, beer, cheese, and jerky pairings enhance the food spread of your next party. These crowd-pleasers are sure to wow anyone you invite.
Try them for yourself and see how these food pairings stand out from the crowd. Be a charcuterie board expert with the combos, and keep your guests coming back for more.
