Cheese & Wine Party

The timeless pairing of cheese with wine reflects sophistication and style, and a gathering that celebrates both is sure to impress. Combine an assortment of Alouette^® cheeses with your favorite wines and let the party begin.

Consider adding finger foods, or a classic appetizer recipe for even more flavor. Here are some tips to make sure your pairings of guests with cheese and wine are perfect every time.

• With a classic wine and cheese occasion, variety is key. Select different cheese textures and flavors. Begin with a creamy mild cheese such as Chavrie^® Goat Cheese or Alouette^® Crème de Brie^®.
• Next, add more flavorful soft varieties such as Alouette^® Soft Spreadable Cheese and Alouette^® Elégante^®. Combine these with a richer semi-soft cheese such as Alouette^® Baby Brie^®. Plan on 2 to 4 oz. of cheese per guest.
• If you are providing the wine for your party, consider an assortment of both red and whites. A sweet dessert wine works well for the final taste. Four to six varieties of wine should be an ample amount for a tasting party. One bottle of wine usually yields small 'tastes' for around 12-13 people.
• Consider asking guests to bring bottles of a specific type of wine, like Merlot, or bottles for a select country or region. Allow guests to tell the story behind their selection - maybe they became familiar with their wine on a romantic vacation to Chile or a weekend getaway to Sonoma.
• Design a tasting card where you guests can jot down tasting notes as they progress through their selections, noting the unique characteristics of each Alouette^® cheese they enjoy and how well the cheese goes with a particular wine.
• When preparing your cheese board, remember that aged cheeses like Alouette^® Baby Brie^® taste better at room temperature while Alouette^® Soft Spreadable Cheese and Alouette^® Elégante^® should be kept refrigerated until serving. Be sure to allow space around each cheese on a platter to allow them to breathe.
• Use a different knife with each cheese so flavors don't transfer among the varieties. Pre-cut firmer cheeses into cubes or slices for ease of serving.
• Strawberries and grapes are other accompaniments that enhance the flavor of cheese. Plain crackers also help to neutralize the palate between tastes of wine so it's a good idea to have extra packages on hand.
• Temperature has a significant effect on the taste of wine. Keep these temperature in mind:
  • Champagne, sparking wines (45 °F)
  • Sweet white wines (45 - 50 °F)
  • White and rosé wines (50 - 55 °F)
  • Young, light red wines (55 - 60 °F)
  • Full-bodies red wines (60 - 65 °F)
• Set a pitcher of water and an empty bowl on the table so tasters can empty and rinse their glass before trying the next wine. If needed provide your guests with a proper vessel to expectorate the wine.
• It's always a good practice to have local car or cab service contact numbers on hand during a gathering where alcohol is served.