Pin it The first time I assembled a board intentionally designed around wine was during a dinner party where everything felt slightly chaotic. I'd bought these gorgeous cheeses that had been soaked in red wine, some prosciutto that smelled impossibly good, and suddenly I realized I could build something that wasn't just about throwing items on a board—it was about telling a story in flavors and colors. The Crimson Crest came together that night, and it became one of those dishes people still ask me to bring.
I remember my neighbor leaning over the board at a small gathering, genuinely surprised that something this elegant came together in less than half an hour. She kept pointing out the color coordination, not realizing that the deep reds and burgundies happened naturally from the ingredients themselves. That moment reminded me that sometimes the best entertaining isn't about complexity—it's about having the confidence to let beautiful ingredients speak for themselves.
Ingredients
- Prosciutto: Buy it sliced paper-thin and let it come to room temperature before arranging so it doesn't tear when you fold it gently into those elegant rolls.
- Bresaola: This air-dried beef is delicate and needs careful handling, so arrange it last if you're nervous—it's more forgiving than it seems.
- Spicy chorizo: The heat cuts through the richness of the cheeses perfectly, so don't skip it or substitute it with mild versions.
- Smoked beef salami: Choose one with visible marbling because it signals quality and adds visual interest to the meat section.
- Drunken Goat cheese: This is the star player—the red wine soak gives it an earthy complexity that regular goat cheese simply cannot match.
- Red Wine Cheddar: Cube it rather than slice it so the cubes catch light and add dimensional texture to the board.
- Merlot BellaVitano: If you can't find this specific cheese, any aged cheese with wine undertones works, but this one has a butterscotch note that ties everything together.
- Red grapes: Wash and dry them thoroughly, then chill them so they stay firm and burst pleasantly when eaten.
- Pomegranate seeds: Remove them over a bowl the day before if possible to avoid the mess and to keep your hands clean while arranging.
- Red onion jam: A quality jar version saves you time, but homemade is worth the effort if you're making this for a special occasion.
- Roasted red peppers: Slice them into even strips so they're easy to grab and look intentional rather than randomly scattered.
- Dried cranberries: They add bursts of tartness and chewy texture that balance the salty meats beautifully.
- Baguette: Slice it on a slight angle so each piece has a wider surface and looks more polished.
- Red beet crackers: These keep the color story cohesive and add an earthy sweetness that works surprisingly well with wine-soaked cheeses.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Break them into smaller pieces right before assembling so their oils release and perfume the entire board.
Instructions
- Gather and chill your elements:
- Pull everything from the fridge about 15 minutes before you start so the cheeses are cold but not hard, and the meats have just begun to soften. This timing makes a real difference in how the flavors bloom when someone tastes them.
- Fold and arrange the meats:
- Take your prosciutto and fold it loosely into thirds, then do the same with the bresaola and salami—these delicate folds make the board look intentional and high-touch. Create distinct little piles separated by color so your eye travels naturally around the board.
- Position the cheeses in clusters:
- Fan out the Drunken Goat slices in one section, cube the Red Wine Cheddar and group it nearby, then add the BellaVitano slices in overlapping layers. Grouping similar cheeses together makes it easier for guests to taste and compare.
- Scatter the bright elements:
- Distribute the grapes, pomegranate seeds, and cranberries in pockets around the board, filling about two-thirds of the empty spaces. These bright jewels are what make people want to photograph the board, so don't hide them in corners.
- Add the supporting players:
- Arrange roasted red pepper strips in a loose line or cluster, and place the red onion jam in a small bowl nestled into the board. The jam becomes an anchor that keeps the eye moving and gives people a reason to circle back for seconds.
- Fill with bread and crackers:
- Lean the baguette slices at angles so they look casual but curated, and nestle the beet crackers into any remaining gaps. A well-filled board looks abundant without looking cluttered.
- Finish with garnish and serve:
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs into various spots and scatter edible rose petals if using them, then step back and admire your work. Serve at room temperature so all the flavors can fully express themselves.
Pin it There was a moment during that first dinner party when someone paused mid-conversation, grabbed a piece of Drunken Goat with a pomegranate seed and a thin slice of chorizo, and just closed their eyes. That's when I understood that a charcuterie board isn't just about feeding people—it's about creating a moment where the flavors matter so much that conversation pauses. That's what The Crimson Crest does.
Building Your Color Story
I learned early on that a monochromatic board, no matter how delicious, doesn't have the same impact as one that celebrates color. Every ingredient here is some shade of red or burgundy, which sounds limiting until you see how the deep wine tones of the BellaVitano contrast with the bright pomegranate seeds and the pale pink of the prosciutto. The beet crackers and roasted peppers deepen the palette, and suddenly you have this gorgeous gradient that draws people in before they even taste anything.
The Wine Pairing Secret
What makes wine-soaked cheeses special is that they're already in conversation with wine, so pairing them with a bold red wine creates this incredible harmony. I typically reach for a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec because they have enough tannins and structure to stand up to the richness of the cured meats without overwhelming the delicate goat cheese. If you're serving this at a gathering where people have different preferences, a dry rosé also works beautifully and gives guests another way to experience the board.
Assembly Timing and Storage
The magic window for this board is about two hours after assembly—it's still beautiful, the ingredients haven't started to dry out, and everything is at that perfect temperature. If you need to make it further ahead, prep all your ingredients in separate containers and do the final assembly right before guests arrive. This approach takes away the stress and lets you be present instead of fussing with the board during your party.
- Slice your baguette and store it in a bread bag so it doesn't go stale, then arrange it on the board no more than an hour before serving.
- Keep the pomegranate seeds in a separate container in the fridge until the last minute—they can release juice if exposed to air for too long.
- If you're transporting this board, use a large box lined with parchment paper and keep it in a cool car rather than trying to carry it on your lap.
Pin it The Crimson Crest has become my go-to when I want to feel like a thoughtful host without spending hours in the kitchen. There's something deeply satisfying about knowing that thirty minutes of intentional arranging can create an experience that stays with people long after the board is empty.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of meats are included in the Crimson Crest?
The board features prosciutto, bresaola, spicy chorizo, and smoked beef salami, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
- → How are the cheeses prepared for serving?
Cheeses like Drunken Goat, Red Wine Cheddar, and Merlot BellaVitano are sliced or cubed into bite-sized pieces and fanned out in clusters.
- → What accompaniments enhance the overall tasting experience?
Fresh grapes, pomegranate seeds, red onion jam, roasted red peppers, dried cranberries, baguette slices, and beet crackers complement the meats and cheeses.
- → Can the board be customized for dietary restrictions?
Yes, gluten-free crackers can replace regular ones, and alternative cheeses may be selected to accommodate allergies.
- → What garnishes add color and aroma to the board?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible rose petals provide visual appeal and a fragrant touch.