How to Create an Extensive Snack Platter with the Right Choice of Wine?

A snack platter is more than just a collection of snacks; it’s an opportunity to come together, enjoy and create memories. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a romantic dinner or just want to share a cozy evening with friends, putting together an extensive snack platter can be a challenge. In addition, the right choice of wine can take it to the next level. In this blog post, we offer you valuable tips and inspiration to put together a perfect snack platter, including the ideal wines that complement the flavors of your delicacies. Let us guide you on this culinary journey and impress your guests with an unforgettable drinks experience.

What is a Borrelplank?

A snack platter is a versatile and attractive way to serve various snacks, perfect for social gatherings, drinks or a cozy evening at home. The snack platter consists of a variety of delicacies, which together form a harmonious and tasty presentation. Let's take a closer look at the different elements that a snack platter can contain.

Cheese: The Basis of the Snack Platter

Cheese is an essential part of any snack platter. It not only offers a delicious flavor, but also a variety of textures. Here are some popular types of cheese to consider:

• Brie: Creamy texture with a mild taste.
• Gouda: A classic Dutch cheese, available in different degrees of ripeness.
• Parmesan: A hard cheese with a stronger flavour, perfect for slicing.
• Blue cheese: For the adventurous eater, this cheese offers a spicy and distinctive flavor.

Cold cuts: Savory accents

Cold cuts add a savory dimension to your snack platter. Here are some examples:

• Salami: Opt for a traditional Italian salami, such as Citterio's Finocchiona.
• Prosciutto: Thin slices of this Italian ham are ideal for a luxurious look.
• Chorizo: This Spanish sausage adds a spicy kick to the plank.

Vegetables: A Healthy Touch

For a fresh and healthy balance, vegetables are a great choice. Consider the following options:

• Colored peppers: Cut them into strips for a crispy bite.
• Cherry tomatoes: For a sweet and juicy addition.
• Cucumber: Refreshing and hydrating, perfect to complement other flavours.

Dips: For Extra Flavors

Dips are essential to accentuate the flavors of your snack board. Some popular dips are:

• Hummus: Available in different flavours, such as classic, beetroot or garlic.
• Guacamole: Creamy and full of flavour, ideal with tortilla chips.
• Tzatziki: A fresh yoghurt dip with cucumber and garlic, perfect for vegetables.

Notes: For the Crunch

Nuts add a nice crunch and an extra dimension of flavor. Here are some examples:

• Almonds: Lightly salted for a perfect balance.
• Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they add an earthy flavor.
• Pistachios: For a colorful and flavorful addition.

Variety in Flavors and Textures

It is crucial to vary both flavors and textures to create an appealing and tasty snack platter. Consider:

• Soft vs. Hard: Combine soft cheeses with hard sausages.
• Sweet vs. Savory: Add a few pieces of fruit or sweet nuts for contrast.
• Crunchy vs. Creamy: Find a good balance between crunchy veggies and creamy dips.

Sample Drinking Board

Here's an example of how to put together a drinks platter:

By putting together a varied snack platter, you ensure that there is something for everyone and that the taste experience is optimal. It is an ideal way to welcome guests and create a cozy atmosphere.

The Right Wine Choice for your Snack Board

Choosing the right wine to serve with your appetizer platter can be a challenging, yet enjoyable task. The right wine can accentuate the flavors of your appetizers and enhance the overall experience of your party. In this section, we’ll discuss the different types of wines and how to pair them with the various appetizers you may want to serve.

White Wine: Crisp and Refreshing

White wines are ideal for lighter snacks and can be a refreshing counterpoint to salty and creamy snacks.

Recommended White Wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc: This wine often has notes of green apple and citrus, making it a perfect match for goat cheese or a fresh salad. A good choice is the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
• Chardonnay: A full Chardonnay, like the Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, goes well with creamy dips and filled wraps.

Combinations:

• Goat Cheese: Sauvignon Blanc
• Creamy Dips: Chardonnay

Red Wine: Full and Rich

Red wines are often richer and fuller in flavour, which makes them ideal for savoury snacks.

Recommended Red Wines:

• Merlot: This wine has a soft structure with fruity notes, ideal with charcuterie. Try the Chateau Ste. Michelle Merlot.
• Malbec: A powerful Malbec, like the Alamos Malbec, goes well with grilled meat skewers and spicy snacks.

Combinations:

• Charcuterie: Merlot
• Grilled meat: Malbec

Rosé Wine: The Perfect In-Between

Rosé wines are versatile and can be served with both light and slightly heavier snacks.

Recommended Rosé Wines:

• Provence Rosé: These wines are known for their fruity, yet dry character. An excellent choice is the Whispering Angel Rosé.
• Zinfandel Rosé: The Bogle Vineyards White Zinfandel offers a slightly sweeter option that pairs well with fruity snacks.

Combinations:

• Fruity snacks: Provence Rosé
• Sweeter Snacks: Zinfandel Rosé

Sparkling Wine: Festive and Refreshing

Sparkling wines add a festive element to your drinks and are perfect for a wide variety of snacks.

Recommended Sparkling Wines:

• Champagne: A classic choice, like Moët & Chandon Imperial, goes well with oysters and seafood.
• Prosecco: This Italian wine, like The Brand Prosecco, is an excellent choice with antipasti and light snacks.

Combinations:

• Seafood: Champagne
• Antipasto: Prosecco

Important Tips for Choosing the Right Wine

When choosing the right wine for your drinks platter, there are a number of important considerations:

• Taste balance: Make sure the flavors of the wine and snacks complement each other and don't overwhelm each other.
• Temperature: Serve white and sparkling wines chilled, while red wines are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• Guest preferences: Consider your guests' preferences. Provide a variety of wines so that there is something for everyone.

Example Combination Table

By choosing the right wine, you can take the taste of your snack platter to the next level. Use the above recommendations and tips to create an unforgettable snack experience.

Wine and Snack Pairings

Pairing wine with appetizers can greatly enhance the dining experience. In this section, we’ll discuss different types of appetizers and the wines that pair with them. We’ll look at hard and soft cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetarian options.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Old Dutch are full of flavor and call for strong wines. Here are some wines that pair well with hard cheeses:

• Chianti Classico: This Italian red wine has good acidity that complements the salty flavors of the cheese.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied, powerful red wine that goes perfectly with the umami flavours of hard cheeses.
• Rioja Reserve: With its fragrant notes and deep flavors, this Spanish wine can nicely complement the complexity of the cheese.

Example of a combination:

• Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Wine: Chianti Classico (for example Castello di Ama Chianti Classico)

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are creamy and mild, which calls for a more delicate wine. The following wines are excellent choices:

• Chardonnay (unfiltered): The creamy texture of an unfiltered Chardonnay goes well with the softness of the cheese. A recommendation is Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuisse.
• Sauvignon Blanc: With its fresh acidity and citrusy flavors, this wine can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of soft cheeses.
• Moscato: For lovers of sweeter wines, a sparkling Moscato is a delicious choice. Try Moscato d'Asti.

Example of a combination:

• Cheese: Letter
• Wine: Chardonnay (for example Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay)

Meats

Cured meats like salami and prosciutto are often rich and savory, which calls for a wine that can complement those flavors. Here are some suggestions:

• Merlot: This soft, fruity red wine goes well with salami. A good choice is Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Merlot.
• Zinfandel: With its rich berry and spice flavors, Zinfandel can be a nice complement to the salty flavors of prosciutto.
• Tempranillo: This Spanish wine goes well with Spanish meats such as chorizo.

Example of a combination:

• Meats: Prosciutto
• Wine: Merlot (for example Bogle Vineyards Merlot)

Vegetarian Options

Vegetarian appetizers like olives, hummus, and grilled veggies also have their own ideal wine matches. Here are some wines that pair well with these appetizers:

• Pinot Grigio: A fresh, dry white wine that goes perfectly with olives and light snacks. Try Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.
• Rose: A dry rosé is a versatile option that goes well with a variety of vegetarian appetizers.
• Sangiovese: This Italian red wine pairs well with grilled vegetables and tomato-based dips.

Example of a combination:

• Snack: Hummus
• Wine: Pinot Grigio (for example Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio)

Table: Wine and Snack Pairings

With these wine and snack combinations you can create an unforgettable drinks experience. Experiment and discover which flavors go best together!

The Perfect Combination for an Unforgettable Taste Experience

In conclusion, putting together a comprehensive snack platter in combination with the right wines requires both creativity and attention to detail. By experimenting with different ingredients and types of wine, you can create a unique and tasty experience for your guests. Remember that the art of pairing is about discovering new flavors and sharing moments. Enjoy the process and let your snack platter reflect your personal taste and style.