Pairing Sparkling Wine with Dessert

I love Champagne.

And as much as I love Champagne, I love dessert even more!

Though I am using the word “Champagne” here, you can apply the same dessert pairing concepts with Sparkling Wine or bubbly from many regions.

This is as long as the signature “Champagne grapes” Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are included.

The Differences Between Champagne and Sparkling Wine Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the “Traditional Method”

In trying to think about what dessert goes with Champagne, you have to think about what you will be serving.

There are many differences between sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from regions outside Champagne, and within Champagne.

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Sometimes the differences are very subtle, others more dramatic.

It may surprise you that some sparkling wine from England, Australia, New Zealand, and California may be several times the price of the most popular branded Champagne houses.

Mostly, the differences are subtle, and should not affect the result if you replace your sparkling wine with genuine Champagne from the Champagne region from France.

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Dessert – Champagne?

I have many (perhaps too many) diplomas in gastronomy.

One of the “fanciest” is the Heg Diplome from the University of Reims.

While we did not spend the entire 14 days drinking Champagne with dessert, we had many lectures and tutored tasting events with Champagne.

Historical manuscripts point out that historically in France, Champagne was always served with dessert in palaces and at state dinners.

This makes perfect sense.

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Champagne is crisp, refreshing, and (for me) has an energizing effect.

This is especially true after a long dinner.

It revives.

So then, what are the best Champagne and Wine Pairing Choices?

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Pairing Sparkling Wine with Dessert : What Dessert goes with Champagne?

The primary consideration when pairing dessert with Champagne or Sparkling Wine (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) is that you will ideally want to contrast the texture of the dessert with the wine, or match the texture.

Champagne and Chocolate Pairing

You may be curious to discover this very personal thing about me, but I NEVER consume chocolate unless I am having it with Champagne.

Unlike many people, I really do not crave chocolate all that much.

Yet when I am at a party or event when Champagne is being served, I’m always on the lookout for a delicious piece of chocolate.

And when I am entertaining at home, I make sure that I have a great selection of the finest chocolate I can find in New York–or whatever city I happen to be in.

What Dessert Goes with Champagne?

Chocolate, of course.

The Reason why Chocolate is a Great Match for Champagne

By definition, chocolate has a silky smooth mouthfeel.

It is also VERY RICH.

And it takes Champagne, with all that intense minerality and high levels of refreshing acidity, to contrast with that rich, creamy, smooth texture and intense flavor.

And interestingly, both Champagne and chocolate have a very long aftertaste.

So pairing Champagne with chocolate uses the principle of “contrast.”

Pairing Champagne with Macarons

To be very honest with you, I have always loved pairing Champagne with macarons.

Yet strangely, I never really thought about the “why” of why I enjoyed the pairing so much.

Now that I am thinking about it, the principle to be applied is the principle of “matching.”

When you think about it, macarons are light … and also crisp!

This is the VERY DEFINITION of a good Champagne!

Pairing Sparkling Wine With Dessert : What an Event at the French Institute Alliance Française Taught Me

I was invited to attend a Champagne (and what I thought to be a Champagne and chocolate pairing at the FIAF here in NYC.)

It turned out to be a pairing of Champagne and macarons!

And even more exciting, it wasn’t just any “generic” Champagne paired with a macaron one would pick up from their local supermarket.

It was ultra-premium Champagne, with many of the brand managers and producers present to explain the story of their Champagne!

And the macarons were not generic either!

They were hand-baked by Thierry Atlan.

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Pairing Sparkling Wine With Dessert : Contrasting the Flavor of Macarons with Champagne

They presented the macaroons in a variety of flavors (i.e. Foie Gras, etc) and the idea was for each Champagne to accompany the flavor of a specific macaroon.

List of the Champagnes

• Champagne  Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut
• Champagne  Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut Rosé
• Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur
• Champagne Ayala Rosé Majeur
• Champagne  Besserat de Bellefon Special Cuvée
• Champagne Besserat de Bellefon Rosé 

Arriving at my seat, it surprised me to see six beautiful macarons.

The emcee for the evening was the beautiful and talented Susan Kostrzewa, Executive Editor of the popular magazine Wine Enthusiast.

Susan had the job of helping the various presenters explain why each differently flavored macaron, prepared by Thierry Atlan, paired with a specific Champagne.

Presenters

Maude Austrian, Besserat de Bellefon Champagne
Rafaela Fonte, Ayala Champagne
Cedric Lecendre, Laurent-Perrier
Fréderic Goossens, Managing Director at Baron François

 Pairing Sparking Wine with Dessert: The Champagne and Macaron Tasting

For two hours, the presenters explained the history of their Champagne House and their individual philosophy.

During each of the presentations, attendees could taste the macaron intended to match that specific Champagne.

Though we did not receive encouragement to do so, some of us (yes, me!) also took advantage of the opportunity to taste each macaron with all the Champagnes.

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Dessert : Result of the Champagne and Macaron Comparative Tasting 

The concept of pairing a macaron with a specific flavor (notably the inside filling) was fresh, and fun!

Though the attendees by necessity were all over the age of 21, the exercise of contrasting this flakey chewy desert with French bubbly was so much fun it was like being in a room with children.

As it might be difficult for you to recreate this exact Champagne and macaron experience, it encourages you to visit your favorite bakery, choose one or macarons of each flavor, and then buy some Chardonnay or Pinot Noir based sparkling wines.

Invite some friends over and have fun biting into these delicious French cookies and seeing which pairing you like best.

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Dessert: Strawberries and Raspberries

When I was very young, I remember placing a beautiful long-stemmed strawberry into my glass of Champagne.

Looking back now, it was a “cute” romantic gesture, but messy (the strawberry made the Champagne too frothy).

That said, I still like strawberries with Champagne.

Especially if they have a long stem!

And EVEN better if that strawberry had some melted chocolate to dip it in!

Pairing Sparkling Wine with Dessert : Other Ideas

It’s easy to say that “any” dessert can go with Champagne.

Yet I really would stick with dessert ideas involving macarons or chocolate.If you are up for it, you might even want to pair Champagne with this Italian desert called zabaglione. This one involves strawberries

It is like macarons in the sense eggs are involved (though here it is the yolk, not the whites).

Like a macaron (or a Meringue) the egg yolks are whisked until it is light and frothy … so lots of air.

Here is a recipe I found for a zabaglione with strawberries!

Happy dessert and Champagne pairing and be sure to let me know which pairing you like best! **Click Here For the BEST wine resources**

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

A Visit to Dominus

Chappellet Winery

P.S. … I wanted to show you this video. It’s not about pairing sparkling wine with dessert, but two of my favorite people are acting as host and guest, Brian Freedman and Charles Curtis MW

The post Pairing Sparkling Wine With Dessert appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

What is the best  wine for romantic night? Or the most romantic wine?

You will find many romantic wines, but the best 3 romantic wines are sparkling wines.

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Many people like to celebrate with romance sparkling wine, like Champagne.

… and you must agree, there is something about the sound of that popping cork –

And the explosion of effervescent bubbles that spells celebration.

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Most Romantic Wine: Sparkling Wine

Today, I will narrow the universe of sparkling wines to just three of my favorite romantic sparkling wines for date night.

I chose each wine with much consideration of price to value.

Plus they are delicious AND impressive if for a romantic wine gift.

Most Romantic Wine

In the world of Sparkling wine you have many choices.

You’ve probably notice that many people – including flight attendants – call every fizzy wine “Champagne.”

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Champagne is called Champagne because it is from the region of Champagne, France.

Spanish Cava is called “Cava” because it is from the Cava denomination in Spain.

The quality Italian sparkling wine, Franciacorta, comes from that DOCG region in Italy.

Most Romantic Wine: Champagne?

Champagne has been around since 1729.

For much of the last few centuries, the Champagne Bureau has done an excellent job of promoting Champagne as the best way to celebrate a special occasion like Valentines Day.

So when it comes time to splurge on your favorite Valentine’s Day Wine, French Champagne can be a splendid choice.

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Yet if you are looking for a delicious sparkling wine, Champagne is not your only choice.

Virtually every wine region in the world is producing excellent quality sparkling wines. Often an excellent value for the price.

Most Romantic Wine: Types of Sparkling Wine

• Sparkling wine from California
• Sparkling wine from the Prosecco region of Italy
• Sparkling wine from the Italian region of Franciacorta
• Delicious floral scented sparkling wine from Asti
• Sparkling wine from Catalunya, Spain
• Sparkling wine from Germany
• Sparkling wine from French regions outside of Champagne

The list can go on forever, as sparkling wine is made everywhere.

Most Romantic Wine Choice:  Brachetto Di Acqui

Yes, I knew this would surprise you.

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Brachetto di Acqui is a lightly sparkling wine made from perfumed, fruity Brachetto grape.

Despite its delicious, easy drinking appeal, it has a very dignified pedigree.

It is one of the few sweet Italian wines to achieve DOCG status.

It comes from Piedmont, Italy, and passionate (or just thirsty) Italians have been enjoying it since the days of the ancient Romans.

Why Most Romantic Wine Brachetto di Acqui?

It is EVERYTHING a romantic wine should be.

It is pink.

It is perfumed.

It is sweet.

It is delicious.

And a date night represents the perfect opportunity to indulge in your secret sweet tooth.

Enjoy a tantalizingly perfumed sparkling wine for the sheer pleasure of it.

History of Brachetto di Acqui  

There is the legend.

And there is the reality.

Legend has it that Cleopatra was seduced by a bottle of Brachetto di Acqui.

In ancient Rome, an early version of Brachetto Di Acqui was popular for its high aromatics and sweet flavor.

As a a passionate sparkling wine for date night, pair this with dark, decadent chocolate.

Possibly a rich, slightly bitter chocolate to contrast with the sweet floral flavors and aromatics.

Most Romantic Wine Glasses for Brachetto Di Acqui

The right wine glasses are important.

With Brachetto Di Acqui you have a few choices.

1. A Flute if you prefer tradition of a sparkling wine in a sparkling wine glass 
2. A tulip shaped glass if you prefer a delicate looking wine glass
3. A large bowl shaped glass if you want to bring out the wine’s aromatics”

2nd Choice: Ruinart NV Champagne

I love Ruinart NV Champagne as much as every Champagne lover …

Yet I love many other NV Champagnes just as much. Gosset. Bollinger. Billecart-Salmon. Perrier-Jouet. And more.

When it comes to a Valentine’s Day Wine, a lot of the focus is on LOOKS.  This is especially true when you are giving a Valentines Day Wine Gift.

Almost any Champagne can have an attractive label.

Few Champagne houses pay as much attention to bottle shape as Ruinart.

Yet beyond LOOKS, here are some considerations for choosing Champagne. 

Vintage is Not Necessarily “Better” than Non-Vintage Champagne

The reason is that many “Brand Names” like Perrier-Jouet and Veuve-Cliquot spend more time and energy on their non-vintage cuvees than the vintage wines?

The reason is that they sell millions of cases of non-vintage Champagne every year, and just a slight amount of vintage-dated or special cuvee.

Vintage-dated does not mean the wine “tastes better.”

In fact, even though vintage-dated Champagne is usually more expensive, some people (most people, in fact) might think it doesn’t taste as good as non-vintage Champagne.

The reason is that non-vintage Champagne is carefully blended to taste exactly the same way, year after year.

This is regardless of vintage.

And then there is the concept of “house style.”

Many consumers have their own favorite brand of non-vintage Champagne.

For example, I prefer a richer mouthfeel with aromas and flavors of grilled bread and notes of roasted pineapple.

Others prefer a very crisp, clean style.

Yet for choosing a Champagne as your Date Night sparkling Wine, much of your choice has to do with how you will enjoy it.

1. Will you enjoy your date night wine with dessert like chocolate or strawberries at the end of the meal?

2. Will you enjoy your Champagne with oysters at the start of the meal?

3. Or will you skip food entirely?

Though I named Ruinart NV as my 2nd choice because of its unique bottle shape and its accordingly appropriate value as a Valentine’s Day wine gift, I will make two very simple suggestions.

1. With oysters, you will do well to choose the NV Veuve Cliquot because of its fresh, vibrant acidity.

2. With chocolates and strawberries, you can go for any of my three favorite wines in the richer style: Bollinger, Champagne Roederer, or Billecart-Salmon.

Most Romantic Wine Glasses For Sparkling Wine

In the 18th and 19th century, it was common for people to drink Champagne out of coupes … small, bowl shaped glasses.

At an antique shop in Mobile, Alabama many years ago I bought some old-fashioned coupes with a gold rim.

On Date Night, I’ll pull out these antique glasses because they are romantic and feel special.

Some sommeliers these days also recommend that guests try Champagne out of white wine glasses, as they feel this best expresses the aromas.

The delightful news is, for Champagne coupes, flutes, or white wine glasses, everything goes.

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3nd Choice: Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine from California

Growing up in California, I loved Cali Sparklers with their vibrant ripe fruit.

Then, after studying sparkling wines from around the world, my palate changed.

Now I prefer wines with more restraint.

So when I first tasted Roederer Estate sparkling wine from the cool climate Anderson Valley in California, I found myself an instant fan.

Made by the same French company as Champagne Roederer, they make this wine in a rich but restrained manner.

I often blind taste this wine against Champagne Roderer, and it is often hard to pick apart the differences between the two.

For roughly $25 dollars, this rich sparkling California wine is a splendid choice as your Date Night sparkling wine.

Enjoy your Date Night Wine

I hope you enjoy these tips on how to make the best selection when it comes to your Valentine’s Day wine. 

If you like this piece, you are welcome to check out these other articles …

Napa Valley: Visiting Chappellet on Pritchard Hill

Beyond the Scenes at Dominus Estate

Cabernet Sauvignon in Chiles Valley with George Bursick of Maxville Winery

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