Baked Brie with Cherry Compote and Pecans with Reserve Napa Valley Merlot

They say opposites attract. In this case, “they” could not be more right. Warm, creamy, nutty brie meets bright, fresh dark fruit for a perfectly contrasty love match that just works.

Baked Brie with Cherry Compote and Pecans: Choosing Your Cheese

Brie cheese comes in an amazing spectrum of textures and delicious flavors. From firm and mild to gooey and downright stinky, we love each and every one. But what’s the best option for making our Baked Brie with Cherry Compote and Pecans? For this recipe, we recommend a milder variety of Brie that will provide a creamy, cozy stage for all the other flavors and textures to play on.

Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Napa Valley Merlot

Delicate, soft, and round our Reserve Napa Valley Merlot opens with fine aromas of dried fennel, sage, and hazelnut, mingled with red cherry that reflects onto the palate with fresh, tart cherry sweetness and a frosting of hazelnut milk chocolate flavor from time in French oak. Bright acidity gives this wine lovely balance, medium body, and a very focused finish.

Ingredients

½ cup Merlot

3 tbsp sugar

2 cups frozen cherries, thawed and coarsely chopped

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt

1 large Brie round

⅓ cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

Method

In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together Merlot and sugar. Cook until reduced by half. Add cherries, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook until cherries break down slightly and are incorporated into sauce. Remove from heat and let cool.

Heat oven to 350˚ F. Place brie on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake about 5–10 minutes, depending on how melted you prefer the cheese to be. Remove from oven and place on platter. Spoon cherry sauce over brie, sprinkle with pecans. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, fresh bread, or toast rounds.

Q&A

Q: What Beaulieu Vineyard wine pairs best with Baked Brie with Cherry Compote and Pecans?

A: Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Napa Valley Merlot. The wine’s bright acidity, medium body, and round, soft texture make it a great option for pairing with a wide variety of foods, especially the sweet-tart cherry acidity our Baked Brie with Cherry Compote and Pecans.

Q: What does Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Napa Valley Merlot taste like?

A: Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Napa Valley Merlot offers sweet-tart cherry fruit, hazelnut, and milk chocolate flavors.

Q: Where is Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Napa Valley Merlot grown?

A: We select fruit from our original Rutherford estate, Beaulieu Vineyard Ranch No. 1, Ranch No. 2 right across the street from our winery, and from premier vineyard partners in Yountville. The Yountville AVA, just north of Napa Valley, is known for its constant fog and wind, and for elegant wines with fine tannins and lower alcohol levels from the cool climate. Learn more about our vineyards here.

Q: Can you overcook a baked Brie?

A: Yes. An overcooked Brie cheese wheel can become lumpy or rubbery inside. Essentially, the excess heat breaks the cheese into its parts (fat, protein, water, etc), curdling it. But follow our recipe directions for baking time and temperature will help ensure the Brie keeps its even, creamy texture.