Ingredients
Each shell features an individual portion of creamy cheese, savory cured meats, prosciutto, and fruit. Every element pairs beautifully with our McBride Sisters Collection Coastal California Chardonnay; a bright, crisp, stainless-steel-aged wine under 100 calories and lower in alcohol, featuring notes of citrus, orchard fruit, and refreshing acidity.
Without oak to compete with the food, this wine lets the charcuterie, cheese, and fruit take center stage. Additionally, it marks the McBride Sisters' transition toward sustainable and organic certifications, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship.
The result is an effortless appetizer ideal for a dinner party, wine tasting, or coastal gathering.
Directions:
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Prepare the ingredients - Cut the Comté into small cubes and the triple-crème Brie into small, bite-size pieces. Slice your goat cheese and roll .5oz slices into small balls. Wash your fruit, slice the fig in half from stem to base, and set the grapes aside.
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Build the cheese arrangement - Place the Comté, Brie, and goat cheese in three distinct sections of the shell. Leave small spaces between them so each cheese remains visually defined and easy to pick up.
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Pleat the prosciutto - Lay the prosciutto flat and gently gather it into soft accordion-like pleats. Arrange it along one side of the scallop shell, allowing the folds to rise slightly for height and movement.
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Fold the salami - Fold each slice of Genoa salami in half, then in half again, creating small fan shapes. Stand them at a slight diagonal instead of lying flat.
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Add the fruit - Nestle the mini green grapes into the open spaces. Add the fig half near the center or edge of the shell for a pop of color and a soft, sweet counterpoint to the savory ingredients.
- Serve - Pour the McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay, Coastal California place the scallop shell atop the glass, and serve immediately.
Why this pairing works
The bright profile of a stainless-steel Chardonnay is a natural match for a small charcuterie plate. Its fresh acidity helps balance rich triple-crème Brie and goat cheese, while its clean finish refreshes the palate after salty prosciutto and Genoa salami. Comté brings a nutty, savory note, and the grapes and fig echo the wine’s fruit-forward character without making the pairing feel heavy.
Because everything is portioned into an individual shell, every bite can be composed differently: creamy Brie with grape, salty salami with fig, or tangy goat cheese with prosciutto. That variety keeps the presentation playful and the pairing lively.
Serving tips
- Chill the Chardonnay well, but let the cheeses sit out briefly so their flavors can open.
- Assemble the shells shortly before serving so the prosciutto and salami retain their texture.
- For a larger gathering, prepare one shell per guest and arrange them together on a long platter.
- Add a small cheese knife or cocktail pick to each setting for an especially polished presentation.
Final sip
These Charcuter-SEA SHELLS turn a few simple ingredients into a personal tasting experience. The combination of creamy cheese, folded charcuterie, fresh grapes, and fig feels elegant without being fussy - and the crisp, coastal character of the McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay brings it all together with ease.
