St. Patrick’s Day is a Great Day to Open Wine!

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for green attire, lively parades, and celebrating Irish heritage, but it’s also a perfect occasion to savor the flavors of Ireland with a carefully crafted cheese board. Paired with the right wine, such as a vibrant Chardonnay from 32 Winds, an Irish cheese board can level up any St. Patrick’s Day gathering. Here is a quick overview of how to create a simple yet delightful Irish cheese board, perfectly paired with a bottle of wine.

The Art of Pairing Wine with Irish Cheese

Choosing a wine that complements the unique characteristics of Irish cheeses is essential for enhancing your tasting experience. The creamy, robust flavors of Irish cheeses need a wine that can hold its own, without overwhelming the cheese. A Chardonnay, with its great texture, light oak, bright fruit, and firm acidity, pairs beautifully with the rich and tangy flavors of Irish cheese, creating a balance between the food and the wine.

Crafting Your Irish Cheese Board for St. Patrick’s Day

Choosing your Cheese

When selecting cheese for your board, aim for variety in both flavor and texture. Here’s a simple guideline to get you started:

  1. Aged Cheddar: A staple of Irish cheese, its sharpness complements the smoothness of the Chardonnay.
  2. Gubbeen: A semi-soft cheese with a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruity notes of the wine.
  3. Cashel Blue: For those who enjoy a bit of tang, this blue cheese’s creamy texture is a perfect match for the crispness of Chardonnay.

Accompaniments

In addition to cheese, your board should include a range of accompaniments:

  • Crackers and Breads: A mix of seed-laden bread and simple crackers offers a variety of textures and flavors.
  • Dried Apricots: The sweetness of dried fruit complements the cheese and wine, providing a contrast to their savory notes.
  • Pickles: The tartness of pickles cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and refreshes the palate between sips of wine.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: A dollop of mustard adds spice and enhances the flavors of both the cheese and the Chardonnay.

Locals to Healdsburg can find some incredible cheese right in our own backyard, check out the California Cheese Trail.

Presentation

Arrange your cheeses and accompaniments on a wooden board for a rustic look. Place the cheeses at different angles, interspersed with crackers and bread. Fill in gaps with dried apricots and pickles, and place a small bowl of whole grain mustard on the side. The result should be a feast for both the eyes and the palate, as seen in the provided image.

Make the combo work

Pop that bottle of Chardonnay and invite your guests to indulge. Encourage them to try different cheese and accompaniment pairings with the wine to discover their favorite combinations. Remember, the best pairing is the one you enjoy the most! A simple Irish cheese board paired with a fine bottle of Chardonnay is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. It’s an homage to the rich flavors of Ireland and an excellent opportunity to gather friends and family for a shared culinary experience.

Sláinte!