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Hi it’s Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life Blog, back again to share a tasty Summer treat with you! I made a delicious appetizer recipe using cherries as the main ingredient, and I think you’re going to love it! This is a perfect summer appetizer, to be enjoyed on a sunny warm deck with a glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of my most favourite Summer fruits are cherries. Really, is there any better fruit than a sun warmed cherry? But cherries aren’t just for snacking, in fact they are great in savory appetizers and sauces because they’re sweet, tart and pair with so many great cheeses and meats. I especially love cherries paired with goat cheese. The tart and sweet from the cherries, paired with the tangy of the goat cheese is perfection. So with this flavour combination in mind, I made a Cherry & Wine Compote that you serve over a goat cheese log. And let me tell you, it’s amazing! To make this compote even more delicious, I cooked the cherries with a little bit of rosemary and red wine, and as you can imagine, the results were so so very good!
Why Cherry and Cabernet Are a Perfect Pair
There’s something undeniably special about the way cherries and Cabernet Sauvignon play off each other. Cherries—especially when cooked down—offer a sweet-tart richness that naturally complements the bold, dark fruit notes in Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. That deep cherry flavor in the compote highlights the wine’s vibrant layers of blackberry, black currant, and plum, making every bite and sip feel perfectly in sync.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The small addition of red wine in the compote doesn’t just enhance the cherry flavor—it ties the dish and the glass together. With a touch of rosemary for herbal warmth and a creamy bite of goat cheese for balance, this pairing becomes a moment. Whether you're serving this as a pre-dinner appetizer or a casual snack with friends, the harmony between the cherries and Cabernet Sauvignon makes it feel effortlessly elevated.
Now let's dive into the recipe!
Cherry & Wine Compote with Goat Cheese
Recipe Type:
Appetizer
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped fresh cherries (pitted, and cut into quarters)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp red wine (Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- dash salt
- 1 log goat cheese (4 oz or 11 oz, depending on how many you are serving)
- 1 baguette, sliced
Instructions
- Add the chopped cherries and sugar to a saucepan, and cook over low heat until the juices are released, about 5 minutes.
- Add the red wine, rosemary sprig and salt, then continue cooking until the juices thicken, about 20 minutes.
- After the compote has cooked, remove the rosemary sprig.
- Let the compote cool slightly, then serve it over the log of goat cheese, and spread over slices of baguette.
- Serve this appetizer with crackers or slices of baguette, and with a glass of your favourite red wine!
Make It a Moment with Kendall-Jackson Wines
Whether you're hosting friends on the patio or putting together a last-minute appetizer for a cozy night in, this Cherry & Wine Compote with Goat Cheese is a simple way to serve something elegant and flavorful. The combination of sweet cherries, creamy goat cheese, and a splash of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon creates a dish that feels special with very little effort.
To elevate the experience, pour a glass of the same Cabernet you used in the compote—the rich, dark fruit notes and velvety finish are a natural complement to the flavors on the plate. It’s moments like these—simple, seasonal, and shared—that Kendall-Jackson wines are made for.
Ready to plan your next pairing? Explore our collection of wines and find the perfect bottle to match your favorite seasonal bites.
