A Guide to Champagne and the BBQ

Champagne is probably not the first thing that you think of to drink with a hamburger. However, you might be surprised to learn that a glass of bubbly is the ideal match with the ultimate summer comfort food.

Champagne as you probably well know is a very accommodating and versatile drink and goes with a wide range of different foods and flavours. With more options on the market than ever before it is actually quite easy to find suitable bottles to go with all sorts of different BBQ foods. So, we’ve compiled some below. Here are the best tips on how you can enjoy champagne with the following BBQ treats.

1. Blanc de Noirs is a great Champagne for meat lovers to try. This highly rated bubbly is made out of black grapes, which can cut through a hamburger’s fat. The different types of grills will alter the taste of the burger somewhat – i.e. charcoal will taste differently to gas – however you can be sure this champagne will go with all of them.

2. Fish lovers should try out Rosé Champagne with grilled king prawns or salmon steaks.

3. If you have a group of at least six people, then you should seriously consider opening a magnum (which is about 12 servings) to provide your summer BBQ with some added pizzazz. For those who like sweets, they can round their BBQ experience off with grilled bananas loaded with marshmallows and nutella. Demi-Sec Champagne goes well with this sweet summer treat.

4. Keep things cool! Champagne needs to be properly chilled before it is served. It takes three to four hours for it to chill in the refrigerator. You can also quickly cool down champagne by putting the bottle into a buck that is filled with two-thirds water and one-third ice. It will take about 30 minutes. Don’t ever try putting champagne in your freezer!

5. Although it’s highly unlikely if you do end up with any unopened bottles, store them horizontally in a dark, cool place away from serious temperature variations, light, and heat.

Hopefully you will now be able to crack open a bottle of bubbly beside the BBQ and make the most of the fine British weather when enjoying some of the finest champagne and some nicely cooked meat.