Champagne & Food Pairings
Most of us have heard of food and wine pairings. But did you know that food also goes with Champagne? If you think about it, Champagne is first and foremost a wine. The difference is that while still wines are fermented only once, Champagne goes through a second fermentation process that creates the bubbles that we all know and love. So for your next culinary experiences, how about trying these Champagne (or sparkling wine) and food pairings.
Brut (Non-vintage): while this can be enjoyed as a stand alone apéritif, try Brut Champagne paired with smoked salmon, buttered popcorn, potato chips, fries and younger cheeses such as Comté, Emmental, Brie or goat cheese.
Blanc de Blancs is delicious with oysters, shellfish (think lobster or langoustine) and gently flavored white fish.
Blanc de Noirs & Vintage Champagne
wines (vintage meaning the year is printed on the label)
These wines have more structure and therefore pair well with main course dishes such as grilled vegetables, fish tacos, sushi, veal, pork, poultry, duck, Indian curry, and creamy foods such as mac & cheese, black truffle risotto or scallops in a cream sauce. Blanc de Noirs also make for a nice accompaniment with charcuterie and aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan.
Brut Rosé try this with grilled foods such as grilled salmon and barbeque dishes.
Demi-Sec Champagne
Demi-sec (sweet Champagne) such as the one by Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin marries nicely with desserts like fruit tarts, crème brûlée, cakes, and dark chocolate- think mousse au chocolat or galette des rois (King’s cake)!!
