Pairing Perfection: The Best Wines, Beers, and Cheeses for Salami

Discover how to pair handcrafted salami with the perfect wines, beers, and cheeses. Explore bold flavours, balanced bites, and easy entertaining ideas.

There's something about good salami - the way it's packed with deep savoury flavour, the subtle spice, the perfectly balanced saltiness. And when you pair it with right drink or cheese, that flavour doesn't shine - it sings.

Whether you're putting together a charcuterie board for friends, planning a cozy date night, or just treating yourself after a long week, knowing how to pair salami can turn an ordinary snack into something truly memorable.

Let's explore a few simple (and delicious) pairing ideas that'll make your next board worth bragging about.

Wine Pairings: Finding the Perfect Pour

When it comes to wine, the goal is balance - you want a wine that complements the richness of the meat without overpowering it.

• Classic Cured Salami: Try a medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot. They have just enough acidity to cut through the fat while enhancing the smoky, peppery notes.

• Go for something with a little sweetness, like a Zinfandel or Lambrusco (a slightly sparking red). They'll mellow out the heat while keeping things lively.

• Garlic Salami: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, offering crisp contrast to the salami.

Tip: Serve your wine just below room temperature for reds and lightly chilled for whites - it brings out more of the flavour in both the wine and the meat.

Beer Pairings: When You Want to Keep it Casual

Beer and salami are a natural match - both hearty, bold, and built for good company.

• Jerky or Pepperettes: Reach for a lager or pilsner. The light, crisp body cleanses your palate and keeps things refreshing.

• Classic Salami: An brown ale or amber ale adds a touch of malt sweetness that pairs beautifully with salty, fatty meats.

• Spicy or Smoked Salami: Try a wheat beer. The hop balances spice and the bubbles cut through richness.

If you really want to impress guests, create a small "tasting" flight - 3 styles of beer, 3 styles of salami, and see which combo wins the crowd.

Cheese Pairings: Building the Perfect Bite

A good charcuterie board is all about texture and contrast. Mix and match cheese styles to create perfect little flavour moments:

• Hard Cheeses like aged cheddar, Parmesan, or Asiago pair perfectly with rich, fatty salami.

• Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert balance spice and salt with smooth indulgence.

• Blue cheese lovers, take note: A little bit of Gorgonzola with a smoky salami and a drizzle of honey? Next-level delicious.

Add crackers or fresh bread, olives, pickles, and a little mustard or fig jam - and you've got a board that tastes like it came straight out of a European wine bar.

The Grand Ol' Way

At Grand Ol' Meat Company, we believe food should bring people together - and that great flavour is meant to be shared. Whether you're opening a bottle of red, cracking a cold beer, or building a board for friends, our handcrafted salami is made to make those moments even better.

So grab your favourites, pour yourself something you love, and savour every bite - because pairing perfection isn't about being fancy; it's about enjoying what tastes good.