Creating a perfectly balanced charcuterie board is an art that combines aesthetics and flavours, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a special evening at home.
A well-constructed charcuterie board offers a variety of textures, flavours and visual appeal.
Here’s a detailed guide featuring some insights from Sean Skibbe, the winemaker behind South Hill’s cool climate wines, and advice from the culinary team at South Hill’s restaurant on crafting an impeccably balanced charcuterie board and pairing South Hill wines with various charcuteries.
Pairing South Hill wines with a perfectly balanced charcuterie board:
Sean Skibbe, winemaker at South Hill Vineyards, mentioned that the art of pairing food and wine is far from being an exact science; it’s more about following some basic principles to make educated guesses about what might or might not work. The key is to prioritise experimentation and enjoy the process. In essence, the perfect pairing should allow both the wine and the food to shine without one overpowering the other.
Skibbe stated that when it comes to wine, the more robust the wine, the more diverse the flavours it can harmonise with. Creamy foods tend to complement wines with a crisp acidity, as the higher acidity in the wine helps cut through the creaminess said Skibbe. He also mentioned that pairing items like vinaigrettes, tomatoes, and sweeter foods can be quite challenging.
Also, another note; sweeter, aromatic wines can handle spicier foods more effectively said Skibbe. He enthusiastically promotes the idea of exploration, urging people to invite others to shape their own perspectives on what works and what doesn’t, and to understand why.
Here is your step-by-step guide to creating your very own perfectly balanced charcuterie board with some insight from the culinary team at South Hill:
Step 1: Choose the Right Board or Platter
First things first, select a wooden cutting board, slate platter, or a large wooden serving platter as the base for your charcuterie board. The choice of board can influence the overall presentation.
Creating an appealing charcuterie board is crucial, with a well-balanced variety of items that complement each other. South Hill’s culinary team mentioned that sometimes, surprising or unusual combinations can work exceptionally well together.
Step 2: Select a Variety of Meats
Start with a selection of high-quality cured meats. Aim for a mix of flavours and textures. Common choices include: Prosciutto; Salami; Chorizo; Capicola or Mortadella.
Step 3: Add an Array of Cheeses
Choose a diverse range of cheeses to complement the meats. Include options like: A soft cheese (e.g., Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese). A semi-soft cheese (e.g., Gouda or Swiss). A hard cheese (e.g., Cheddar, Manchego, or Parmesan). A blue cheese (e.g., Roquefort or Gorgonzola).
Consider some lesser known, yet delightfully flavourful cured meats and cheeses for your charcuterie board. According to the South Hill’s culinary team, these options can include free-range Ostrich, Bresaola, Fama Guanciale, Ostrich Carpaccio, Vegan Mozzarella, Italian Gran Padano, and Chakalaka Chevre.
Step 4: Incorporate Fresh and Dried Fruits
Fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats and cheeses. Consider including fresh grapes, figs, apple slices, dried apricots, cranberries, or figs.
South Hill’s culinary team mentioned that it is of importance to be mindful of regional or seasonal factors when choosing charcuterie components. While fruits can be a lovely addition, remember they vary with the seasons, making your offerings different for summer and winter.
Step 5: Include a Variety of Nuts and Olives
Nuts and olives add a crunchy and briny element to your board. Some options include marcona almonds or roasted almonds, mixed olives (green and black) and pickled vegetables like cornichons or artichoke hearts.
Step 6: Offer an Assortment of Breads and Crackers
Serve a selection of bread and crackers to accompany the meats and cheeses. These can include baguette slices, breadsticks, crisp crackers or some rustic whole-grain crackers.
Step 7: Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Condiments
Elevate your charcuterie board with creative condiments or homemade spreads. Consider South Hill’s trio of olives marinated in tarragon and aniseed, orange and basil, and coriander and ginger. Other condiments can include something like South Hill’s Elgin apple and cranberry chutney, aubergine piccalilli, and a special favourite – whipped dukkah and feta.
To accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies like vegetarian or gluten-free options, South Hill can omit the meats and add more cheeses, along with fruits, nuts, and condiments. In terms of gluten-free charcuterie options, advance ordering may be necessary.
For a unique and standout charcuterie experience, South Hill’s whipped dukkah and feta combination is a crowd-pleaser. Fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs and basil leaves can be scattered on the board for a pop of colour and fragrance. Condiments such as honey, grainy mustard, or fruit preserves can be placed in small dishes for dipping and spreading.
Step 8: Arrange Thoughtfully
When arranging your charcuterie board, think about aesthetics and accessibility. Place meats and cheeses in a visually appealing pattern. Consider using small bowls or ramekins for olives, nuts, or condiments. Remember, the key to a perfectly balanced charcuterie board is variety. Experiment with different flavours, textures, and presentations to create a delightful culinary experience for your guests.
According to the South Hill team, when you go about planning a charcuterie board, the ideal serving size per person is around 3-4 slices of charcuterie and 3-4 slices of cheese. South Hill provides at least 3 generous wedges of cheese and 2-3 types of charcuteries, along with fruits, condiments, olives, and nuts. At South Hill, they believe in generous servings because more is definitely better, allowing their guests to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with their cheese and charcuterie board.
Indulge in the artistry of South Hill’s exquisitely balanced charcuterie boards! Join them to savour these culinary delights and gain inspiration before embarking on your own creative journey.
Taste perfection at South Hill today and let your charcuterie experimentation begin!
- Book your charcuterie experience today by reaching out to the South Hill team at events@southhill.co.za or give them a call at 068 295 3128.
