Charcuterie and wine: the perfect combination to impress

Charcuterie boards – those elegant and appetizing platters filled with cured meats, cheeses, and fruits – have become a true gastronomic trend worldwide. Originating from France, where "charcuterie" means "prepared meats," these platters are designed to combine different flavors and textures, offering a complex culinary experience. However, the key to a successful charcuterie board lies in the ingredients chosen and, most importantly, in the wine that accompanies them, where Moldovan wines take center stage.

In Moldova, the concept of a charcuterie board can be adapted and reinterpreted to include traditional local elements, and the wines produced here are the perfect partner for such platters. 

The best Moldovan wines for charcuterie boards

1. Feteasca Neagră – smoked and well-seasoned meats

Feteasca Neagră is one of Moldova’s wine treasures, a red wine with intense aromas of dark fruits and subtle spicy notes. The well-balanced tannins of this wine make it an ideal companion for smoked meats such as homemade sausages, spicy salamis, or prosciutto. The strength and depth of Feteasca Neagră contrast pleasantly with the rich texture of these cured meats, enhancing the flavors.

What do we recommend? A platter of salami, prosciutto, and smoked sausages, accompanied by olives and roasted nuts, perfectly balanced by a glass of Feteasca Neagră.

2. Chardonnay – aged cheeses and fruits

Moldovan Chardonnay, with its rich aromas of citrus and butter, is a versatile wine, ideal for pairing with aged cheeses such as gouda or cheddar. The fresh acidity of this white wine cleanses the palate between bites of cheese and fruit, balancing the rich texture of the cheeses and offering a refreshing note.

What do we recommend? A mix of gouda, cheddar, and camembert, alongside fresh grapes from our bountiful vineyards and green apples. The Chardonnay will perfectly complement the flavors and add extra freshness.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon – spicy and smoked meats and hard cheeses

Cabernet Sauvignon is an intense red wine with blackcurrant aromas and firm tannins, which pairs wonderfully with spicy cured meats and well-aged hard cheeses. This wine provides a perfect balance for strong and salty flavors, enhancing the smoky and spicy aromas of the meats.

What do we recommend? The platter can include spicy salami, homemade sausages, and pecorino cheese. Cabernet Sauvignon will complement the rich flavors of these ingredients, creating an intense experience.

4. Rara Neagră – the delicacy of traditional cured meats

Rara Neagră, a lighter red wine with red fruit aromas, is ideal for platters that include more delicate cured meats, such as dried homemade sausages or ham. Its moderate acidity and fine tannins complement the salty flavors without overpowering them.

What do we recommend? A platter with dried homemade sausages, ham, and sheep’s milk cheese, accompanied by Rara Neagră for a perfect harmony of flavors.

5. Rosé – fruits and light cheeses

Moldovan rosé wines, with fruity and floral aromas, pair beautifully with platters that include light cheeses and fruits. The subtle sweetness and balanced acidity of the wine complement the freshness of the fruits and the creamy texture of the cheeses.

What do we recommend? The platter can include ricotta, mozzarella, strawberries, and apricots, completed by a Moldovan rosé. The wine will add a refreshing note and accentuate the freshness of the ingredients.

6. Plăvaie – light cheeses and fresh fruits

Plăvaie, a white wine with delicate aromas of green apples and wildflowers, is the perfect partner for light cheeses and fresh fruits. This wine offers a freshness that balances the creamy texture of soft cheeses, such as brie or ricotta, and brings a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the fruits.

What do we recommend? A platter with brie, ricotta, fresh figs, and green apples will be well complemented by Plăvaie, creating a light and refined experience.

Homemade-style charcuterie board

In Moldovan style, charcuterie boards can be reinterpreted with traditional ingredients that pay homage to local gastronomy. A platter where mămăliga finds its place alongside sheep’s milk cheese, homemade smoked sausages, and a few crunchy pickles is a perfect example of this approach. In this context, a white Fetească Albă wine would balance all the flavors. With its fresh acidity and fruity aromas, this wine can create an interesting contrast with the rich and salty texture of the cheese and mămăliga.

What do we recommend? A platter with pieces of mămăliga, Moldovan cheese, crispy pork rinds, and pickles, accompanied by a glass of Fetească Albă. Or, for those who want to experiment, a light red wine like Rara Neagră would be a bold choice.

Ultimately, Moldovan wines, whether white, red, or rosé, perfectly complement various types of charcuterie boards. Moldova, with its unique terroir, offers a variety of native wines that can transform a simple snack into a memorable gastronomic experience. From smoked meats and aged cheeses to traditional reinterpretations, Moldovan wines bring authenticity and refinement to every pairing.