Serving several wines and not sure which cheese to set out? Put a firm, nutty cheese in the center of the board. It is the safest bet when the bottles do not all match.
At Capers & Co in Edmond, this is Tip #6 from our Company’s Coming pairing chapter. OKC metro hosts use it when the guest list brings Cabernet, Pinot, and a white to the same table.
Why firm and nutty works
Firm, nutty cheeses have enough fat to calm a red’s tannins and enough delicacy to sit beside a lighter white. You do not need a different cheese for every bottle. Firm wedges and cubes also hold their shape on the board while guests graze.
For how much cheese to buy before you pour, keep How Much Charcuterie per Guest open. For the board build order, see Tip #1: Build a Better Charcuterie Board.
Cheeses to try from the book
Company’s Coming names these firm, nutty styles as the safe bets:
- Swiss
- Gruyère
- Comté
- Emmental
- Gouda
Gruyère is the book’s classic match for Pinot Noir, and aged Gouda goes with Malbec. Start with one of those two if the wine list is mixed.
Easy pairing picks
A short set of book-backed matches for a nutty-centered board:
| Wine | Cheese |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Gruyère |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Aged cheddar |
| Malbec | Aged Gouda |
| Mixed bottles | Swiss, Comté, Emmental, or Gouda |
If the bottle is a big Cabernet or Malbec, see Tip #2: Bold Reds and Aged Cheeses. If you want bubbles with soft cheese instead, see Tip #4: Sparkling Wines Love Creamy Cheeses. For same-region shopping, see Tip #5: If It Grows Together, It Goes Together.
Build a crowd-pleaser board
When guests bring different bottles, shop and plate like we build trays in Edmond.
- Put one firm, nutty cheese in the center (Gruyère or Gouda is an easy start).
- Add one milder cheese and one bolder aged cheese so the board still has range.
- Fan a couple of cured meats, fruit, and quiet crackers nearby.
- Keep the wines on the table; let the nutty anchor do the heavy lifting.
For a long kraft-paper spread, read The Art of the Grazing Table. Grazing tables are delivered and set up across the OKC metro. If you would rather skip the shopping, order catering from Capers & Co.
Skip this pairing mistake
Do not pour a big Cabernet next to a delicate fresh cheese and hope it works. Save bold reds for aged, nutty styles that can hold their own. Soft, delicate cheeses need gentler pours.
Frequently asked questions
Firm styles with a toasted, savory note rather than a sharp bite or a soft rind. Swiss, Gruyère, Comté, Emmental, and Gouda are the book’s go-to list.
Pinot Noir is the classic match in Company’s Coming. Gruyère also sits well on a mixed-wine board because it has fat for reds and enough delicacy for many whites.
Yes. A firm, nutty cheese such as Gruyère, Comté, Emmental, or Gouda has enough fat for many reds and enough delicacy for many whites. When the bottles are a mixed bag, that style is the safest cheese to put out.
Yes. Tell us the wines you plan to pour, or ask for a mixed board that plays well with several bottles. Start with catering.
