Putting together a charcuterie board is fun whether you’re doing it with friends or your partner on a cozy night. Putting this tasty treat with the right wine is one of the best ways to make it even better.
Despite what most people think, many different wines can go well with your meats, cheeses, veggies, and sauces. Trader Joe’s is a great place to get everything you need for a charcuterie board. They have a vast selection of wines to go with their tasty smoked meats and high-quality cheeses.
With the information from my WSET Level 3 training and my many trips to different wine regions, I’ve compiled a list of 13 wines at Trader Joe’s that would go well with your next charcuterie board. These pairings will make your experience better, whether you start with the wine or the board.
1. Pinot Gris from Chalk Hill
If you don’t know what to choose, Chardonnay goes well with almost any meat dish. One great example is the Chalk Hill Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast. It’s complete and well-balanced, with just the right amount of acidity and minerality to balance out the intense flavors of a meat board.
- Notes on the Taste: This wine tastes sweet and vanilla-like because it was aged nine months in French oak (25% new). You might taste almonds, dried orange peel, and pear. These flavors make the profile more complicated without diminishing the food.
- Why It Works: This Chardonnay pairs well with fatty smoked meats and creamy cheeses, making it a great choice for your board.
2. Sauvignon Blanc from Oyster Bay
In the world of wine, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc is a well-known brand that you can easily find at Trader Joe’s. With its classic New Zealand flavor, this wine is an excellent choice for a beautiful contrast to the rich taste of meat.
- Notes on the Taste: Expect bright, spicy citrus flavors, powerful lime notes, and a lovely minerality that makes it taste fresher.
- Why It Works: The wine’s acidity cuts through the fat of meats and cheeses nicely, and its light tastes won’t clash with other foods on the board, so it can be paired with many different things.
3. Dry Riesling by Emma Reichart
People often say that Riesling is too sweet, but Emma Reichart Dry Riesling shows that this isn’t true. If you’re new to dry Rieslings, this inexpensive bottle is a great place to start. It goes well with meat.
- Notes on the Taste: This wine tastes like peach, grapefruit, and almonds and is crisp and delicious.
- Why it works: It pairs well with nuts and grainy bread because it doesn’t clash with more pungent tastes. Plus, you can drink it at room temperature, which lets the taste come out even more after some time to breathe.
4. Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé
If you want a taste of Burgundy, Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé is the only wine you need. This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Mâconnais region of France. It is partially fermented in barrels, which gives it a unique, oaky taste.
- Notes on the Tasting: This wine has many different flavors. It has coconut, vanilla, toasted nuts, and lighter hints of lemon and red apples.
- Why It Works: The perfect mix of freshness and oak makes it an excellent match for the cheeses on a cheese board, so it’s well worth the money.
5. Cabernet Sauvignon from Daou Vineyards
Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a great red wine to choose if you’re feeling adventurous. This fruity wine pairs well with rich foods and strong cheeses.
- Notes on the taste: Dark fruits like cherry and plum, along with chocolate and spice hints, will be present.
- Why It Works: The strength of the wine brings out the flavors of cured meats and aged cheeses, making for a satisfying match.
6. La Ferme Julien Rosé
Looking for something to cool you down? La Ferme Julien Rosé is a great choice. This French rosé tastes bright and fruity, making it great with lighter meats.
- Notes on the taste: It has flower flavors and strawberry and raspberry notes.
- Why It Works: It goes well with fresh veggies and lighter cheeses because it is crisp and acidic.
7. The Prosecco Brand
La Marca Prosecco is an excellent choice for something bubbly to make your meat board feel like a party.
- Notes on the Taste: This sparkling wine has hints of lemon, honeysuckle, and green apple.
- Why It Works: The fizz cuts through strong tastes and goes well with many snacks.
8. The Pinot Noir from McManis Family Vineyards
McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Noir is a great red wine if you like lighter ones. People like this wine because it has soft tannins and a fruity taste.
- Notes on Taste: It tastes like cherry, raspberry, and a little spice.
- Why It Works: Because it has a light body, it goes well with many types of meats and cheeses without being too heavy.
9. Norton Wine Cellars Malbec
Bodega Norton Malbec is a robust red wine you might want to try. This Argentinian wine is full-bodied and rich, so it goes well with heartier breads and cheeses.
- Taste Notes: You can expect to taste dark fruits like raspberry, plum, and a bit of smoke.
- Why It Works: It goes well with old cheeses and smoked meats, making your board taste better.
10. Domaine de la Janasse Rhône-Alpes
Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône is an excellent pick for your cheese and meat board if you want a flexible red blend.
- Notes on the Taste: This wine tastes like red fruit, herbs, and pepper.
- How it works: It goes well with many different foods and cheeses because of its light body and bright acidity.
11. Chardonnay from Pahlmeyer
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay is a rich and complicated wine perfect for those who want to treat themselves.
- Notes on the taste: This wine tastes like tropical fruit, butter, and vanilla. It is thick and creamy.
- Why It Works: It goes well with rich cheeses and creamy dips because of its high-end taste.
12. The town of Alamos
Torrontés If you want something different, try Alamos Torrontés. This flavorful white wine from Argentina smells like flowers and tastes great.
- Notes on Taste: You can expect to taste peach, lemon, and jasmine.
- Why It Works: Because it’s light and smells good, it goes well with lighter meats like avocado toast and fresh fruit salad.
13. Zinfandel from Rombauer Vineyards
Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel is a great, bold, and spicy red wine choice.
- Notes on the Taste: This wine tastes like dark berries, pepper, and a little smoke.
- What It Does: It goes well with spicy foods and BBQ tastes, giving your board a strong element.
Conclusion
Now that you have this list of 13 wines from Trader Joe’s, you can make a delicious charcuterie board that everyone will enjoy. This place has wines for everyone, whether they like whites, reds, rosés, or sparkling wines.
If you want to find your best pairings, don’t be afraid to try different drinks with your charcuterie. Cheers to great matches and fun get-togethers.
FAQs
1. What should I think about when I assemble a wine and cheese board?
Think about how the meats and cheeses you choose will taste. The best wine is well-balanced and either complements or opposes the tastes on the plate.
2. Is serving red and white drinks with my cheese and meat board okay?
Of course! By having a range of wines, you can let your friends pick the one they like best and enjoy a variety of tastes.
3. What’s the best way to store extra wine?
Use a cork to close up any extra wine and store it somewhere cool and dark. White wines can be stored in the fridge, but red wines should be at room temperature.
4. What other foods or drinks can be used instead of booze on a charcuterie board?
Sparkling water, kombucha, or wines without alcohol can be great choices that will still make you feel classy.
5. What can I do to make my meat board look good?
Arrange things in a pleasing way using a range of colors and shapes. For an extra touch, consider adding fresh herbs, veggies, or nuts.
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