Tastes like Spring: this crostini with chèvre goat cheese, crisp green apple, and a drizzle of honey paired with a Sancerre is a perfect warm-weather wine pairing. It puts me in the mood for spring because the flavors just remind me of a fresh rain shower. It’s a light, refreshing combination that feels elegant for an al fresco spring or summer happy hour.
The Dish
If you’ve taken time to explore other recipes on the Wholesomm blog you’ve likely noticed I’m a huge fan of crostini in all forms. This combination is my favorite for spring specifically, but it’s great for any warm weather happy hour pairing. I don’t even toast the baguette just to keep it from feeling too warm or cumbersome for a hot day. The tangy goat cheese is a perfect match for the slightly sour green apple, and I love to add some black pepper, maybe a leaf of arugula, and a drizzle of honey for good measure.
The Wine
The unique minerality of Sancerre hits like a springtime thunderstorm washing over slabs of slate. There is just something about it that makes a Sancerre my all-time favorite white wine. Sancerre is a specific area within the Loire Valley in France, and the grapes are Sauvignon Blanc. While New World Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or Australia will be bursting with green apple, citrus, and grassy notes. While these are fabulous in their on right, the mild fruit notes of Sancerre with the significant minerality makes it a perfect pairing with chèvre and green apple.
You may pay a smidge more for a Sancerre, but because the soil is similar throughout the Loire Valley you could certainly find a more budget-conscious Sauvignon Blanc that is from a less renowned area of the Loire Valley.
Green Apple and Chèvre Crostini
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sliced baguette with chèvre goat cheese and green apple with freshly cracked pepper, arugula, and a drizzle of honey. Pairs best with a chilled Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc.
Ingredients
- French baguette
- 1 Green apple
- Chèvre goat cheese
- Arugula
- Black Pepper
- Honey
Instructions
- Thinly slice baguette and green apple.
- Smear chèvre on each slice of baguette.
- Add an option leaf of arugula. Top with green apple.
- Finalize with freshly cracked pepper and a drizzle of honey.
Optional wine service:
- Serve Sancerre (or other Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc) chilled between 37-43°F.
Sydney is a 29-year old American living between France and Italy. She has a WSET Level 2 certification in wine, along with a degree in environmental engineering and an MBA. She loves exploring local farmer’s markets, haunting her favorite wine bar, and discovering new restaurants.
I agree this is the perfect app for friends! It’s so simple and so good.
I’ve made this recipe several times now. It’s one of my favorites. It’s a perfect appetizer when hosting friends.