Introduction
Organising a cheese and wine evening is a great idea for sharing a convivial moment with loved ones. This iconic pairing of French gastronomy does require some preparation to ensure a successful tasting. Here are the key steps for a perfect evening.
Choosing the guests, venue, and communication
Choosing the guests
The first step in organising a successful evening is to carefully select your guests. A cheese and wine evening is ideal for a small group of close friends or colleagues passionate about gastronomy. Make sure your guests will appreciate this type of evening, where discussions around flavours are key.
Communicating the event
Once the guests are selected, it’s important to communicate the event clearly. Create an attractive invitation, specifying the date, time, and theme of the evening. To set the tone, you can even include information about the cheeses and wines you’ve chosen to spark the interest of your guests.
Choosing the venue
The choice of venue depends on the size of your group. If it’s a small group, your living room or dining room may suffice. For a more intimate atmosphere, opt for a warm space with tasting tables. Lighting is also important: choose soft, dim lighting to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
1. Choosing the right cheeses and wines
The pairing of cheese and wine is essential. It’s important to offer a variety of cheeses to suit all tastes. A balanced selection generally includes:
Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert
Hard cheeses: Comté, Emmental
Blue cheeses: Roquefort, Bleu d'Auvergne
Goat cheeses: Fresh or matured goat cheese
When it comes to wines, it’s important to respect the classic pairings:
- White wine with goat cheeses
- Light red wine with soft cheeses
- Tannic red wine with hard cheeses
- Sweet wine with blue cheeses
2. Preparing an aesthetically pleasing and practical cheese platter
Presentation is key to the success of the evening. Use a wooden or marble board and arrange the cheeses in a circle, alternating colours and textures. Add dried fruits, grapes, honey, and a few nuts to enhance the flavours.
3. Serving wines and cheeses at the correct temperature
Wines should be served at the ideal temperature:
- Whites between 8 and 12°C
- Light reds around 14-16°C
- Bold reds between 16 and 18°C
- Sweet wines around 10°C
As for the cheeses, take them out of the fridge an hour before the tasting so they can release all their aromas.
4. Properly cutting the cheeses
Each cheese has a specific cutting method. Ensure you respect its original shape so that each guest gets a balanced portion of rind and paste.
5. Well-organising the table and atmosphere
The organisation of the table plays a crucial role in the evening’s atmosphere. Choose an elegant tablecloth that complements the colours of the dishes and glasses. A linen or cotton cloth in neutral tones like white or light grey will give a chic and timeless look.
The plates should be suitable for the types of cheese served, using specific cheese plates or simple flat plates for a more casual presentation. Opt for quality wine glasses, even if you only serve wine or non-alcoholic beverages, as this adds a touch of refinement.
Background music is essential for a pleasant evening. Choose a soft playlist, such as light jazz, acoustic music, or classical tunes. It should be subtle enough not to interfere with conversations, yet present to create a warm and friendly atmosphere.
6. Giving tasting tips to guests
During the cheese tasting, it’s important to guide guests to get the most out of the experience. Encourage them to take their time and analyse the aromas and textures of each cheese.
Start with the milder cheeses, like fresh goat cheese or Brie, before moving on to stronger cheeses, such as Roquefort or aged Comté. This allows the palate to gradually adapt to more intense flavours.
7. Offering complementary accompaniments
Accompaniments are essential for enhancing the cheeses and providing a richer and more varied tasting experience.
In addition to the usual bread and crackers, you can offer different types of bread: fresh baguette, country bread, or even special breads like walnut or sourdough. Light and crunchy crackers complement the texture variety.
Also, add some sweet elements that pair well with certain cheeses. Honey, especially lavender or chestnut honey, goes perfectly with goat cheeses. Fig, cherry, or even sun-dried tomato jams add a sweet touch that contrasts delightfully with the salty cheeses.
8. Thinking about the end of the evening
To end the evening on a sweet note, consider serving a digestif or a light dessert. If you want to prolong the tasting experience, a glass of port, sweet wine, or even cognac can be an excellent choice, offering rich aromas that pair well with some older or stronger cheeses. Another option is to offer a light dessert, such as a seasonal fruit tart, fresh fruit salad, or even some dark chocolate. Chocolate pairs particularly well with cheeses like blue cheese, creating a surprising and delicious contrast.
The end of the evening should be just as pleasant as the beginning. A thoughtful touch like coffee or an herbal infusion for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol is also a nice way to conclude the meal. You can also offer small treats like macarons or delicate biscuits to accompany the final moments of the evening and leave a lasting impression of warmth and conviviality.
Conclusion
Organising a cheese and wine evening requires a little foresight, but it’s well worth the effort. By following these steps, you will provide your guests with a memorable tasting experience, where flavours and discussions take centre stage.
FAQ
What’s the best wine to pair with a variety of cheeses?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay or a light red wine like Pinot Noir are versatile choices.
Can foreign wines be included in a cheese and wine evening?
Yes, Italian or Spanish wines can pair beautifully with certain French cheeses.
How many cheeses should be served at a soirée?
Typically, 4 to 5 varieties will provide a balanced selection.
What’s the ideal amount of cheese per person?
Around 150 to 200g of cheese per guest is a good estimate.
Can a cheese and wine evening be organised without an expert in wine?
Of course! The key is to favour simple pairings and experiment based on everyone’s preferences.
