The term charcuterie comes from two French words: “chair” which means “flesh,” and “cuit” which means “cooked.”   Charcuterie boards typically consist of cured and sliced hams, sausages, other meats, cheeses, fruit, nuts, olives, breads, crackers, and spreads.

Why is charcuterie good with wine? The texture, fat, salt and spice of these foods can balance and soften the flavors of wine and vice versa.  The key is to nibble the various items together, even in combinations you might not have thought of, and try them with sips of various wines.  Ham and jam are amazing together.  Bites of nuts with cheeses are delicious when combined.  If you’ve never tried Mortadella, this is your opportunity to taste an Italian deli staple.  Pairing these foods together with wine is a fun way to explore nuanced flavors and excite the palate.

Below is a list of items you might find on our charcuterie boards.  They are subject to change depending on availability and the time of year, as well as our own experimentation.

• Meats: Ham, Mortadella with pistachios (an Italian sausage with bits of white fat and green pistachios), Prosciutto (Italian ham), Salami
• Cheeses: Parmesan, Havarti, Sharp White Cheddar, Gouda, Smoked Gouda
• Dips and Spreads: Jam, Spinach and Artichokes
• Fruit: Grapes, Strawberries, Blueberries
• Other Stuff: Crackers, Baguettes, Olives, Mixed Nuts, Cocolate