One of the great joys of gatherings, and of life in general, is snacking. To always have a few bites on the table, while chatting or playing games with a good glass of wine. And what more delicious way to indulge in this pleasure than with a cheese board? With a little effort, it truly becomes an art form, too.  

Sure, you can toss a few cheeses on the table, but it’s not called the art of presentation for nothing. Fortunately, it’s an art that can be mastered quite well; in just a few steps you will go from random to regal.  Simply cut, place on pretty boards and decorate with a few add-ins. 

Among the most popular additions: crackers, olives, nuts, dried fruits, cold meats, marinades and why not, some festive decorations. 

The golden rules 

  • Present an odd number of cheeses (ideally 3 or 5 per board).
  • Vary the profiles and types of texture.
  • Add sweet and savory complements.
  • Place hard-to-cut cheeses on the edges.
  • Arrange the crumbly ones in the center and fill in the spaces with soft cheeses.
  • Avoid two soft cheeses closely together as they could stick.
  • Pre-cut a few pieces to set the tone.

 

We could go on, but the Fromages d’ici website (in French only) is a sensational tool to help you become a board master. Type in the serving occasion, number of people, number of local cheeses and voilà; off you go with your shopping list.  

Say goodbye to waste and guessing games.  

You can also use local cheeses to create original presentations based on what you want to highlight. It's amazing what you can create with simple skewers or cookie cutters.

3 pairings to discover

Mercredi des Cendres +
Coteau Rougemont La Côte Chardonnay 2021

A simple rule exists in the principles of pairing, the presence of mushrooms or their flavours combine perfectly with the woody notes of the wines, as in the case of La Côte Chardonnay. You add to that a welcome roundness and you obtain this most successful marriage.

  • Other possible pairings: Aromatic and supple red wine, brut cider.

Tomme au Cidre de Pommes +
Cidre Sauvageon Moussette

Perfect duo for a gourmet aperitif! The supple texture and the fruity aromas of this Tomme, whose rind has been washed in cider, offer a most harmonious marriage with this Sauvageon Moussette farm cider. Its lively and thirst-quenching freshness, as well as its delicate bitterness, create a perfectly on-point and absolutely exquisite balance. 

  • Other possible pairings: Fruity and generous rosé, hard cider.

Alfred Le Fermier +
Jacques Pinots Rosé 2023

With its orange rind and its aromas of undergrowth and mushrooms, this cheese invites a delicate pairing with a dry rosé with delicious fruitiness, such as the Pinots cuvée from Domaine St-Jacques. A blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, this wine will perfectly match the richness of the cheese, notably thanks to its invigorating acidity. A refined and perfectly balanced duo, to be savored slowly and in good company. 

  • Other possible pairings: brut sparkling wines, Aromatic and sweet white wine.

In partnership with
Les Fromages d'ici