Can You Pair French Onion Soup with Sparkling Wine?

The soup that went from rags to riches.

Trying to pair Sparkling Wine with Soup isn’t necessarily the easiest, combining two liquids together, you could end up swallowing the soup before the Sparkling Wine even gets a chance to work its bubbly magic, soups that require you to chew, like the onions in a French onion soup, creates a better pairing.

Who made the first French Onion Soup?

A few countries have played their part in bringing the French Onion Soup to its current position, starting off, we have to thank the Romans, during those times Onions were a very common food, both in plentiful and eaten amongst the lower class, but I doubt the Romans called it a French Onion Soup, probably more likely, Onion Soup.

Then jump forward to the 18th century, we land in France, Paris to be precise, this is when it started moving from the poor man’s food to something to be enjoyed by all when it was being made with caramelized onions and beef broth.

It was then in 1961 when Henri Mouquin’s New York restaurant selected the French Onion Soup to appear on its menu, this is when the dish started gaining it’s popularity and became seen as a higher class meal or first course.

Champagne Faniel et Fils

Champagne Faniel et Fils is one of those wineries set in a picture-perfect French environment, when I visited the winery and met Mathieu Faniel the owner and head winemaker, the day could not have been more perfect, the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, Mathieu was beyond kind and welcoming, his winery looked like a set from a film, it is filled with history and great Champagne. You can see for yourself what I’m talking about by checking out A Trip To Champagne Faniel & Fils by me or A visit to Champagne Faniel & Fils by Christopher Walkey

Mathieu is the third generation to work at the Champagne house, he joined in 2008 and has helped expand the name and reach of his Champagnes across the world, Champagne Faniel et Fils all begin after World War II when Mathieu’s grandfather André Faniel founded the company, back then it was just called Faniel, it was after André’s son Jacques Faniel and his wife Brigitte had their sons Romain and Mathieu that Jacques officially changed the name to Faniel et Fils.

Champagne Faniel & Fils – Brut Nature  –  Tasting Notes

Aroma 👃 “Creamy biscuits, yellow floral, daisy’s and buttercup flowers on the aroma.”

Flavour 👅 “Sweet citrus, yellow floral, lemon sherbert, creamy biscuits and more on the palate.”

This Champagne Won a Silver Medal in the Sea Breeze Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021

Vinarstvo Rebula

Vinarstvo Rebula started making wine in 1982, the farm that they are located in a small village on the Karst Wine Road, in Slovenia, near the Italian border, dates back even further to 1900, they have 1.8 hectares of vineyards, containing 5000 vines, 4000 of which are refosk grapes

Other than being perfect for pairing with food, this Red Sparkling Wine was also a treat to enjoy around a little campfire: Campfire Stories and Fizz

Vinarstvo Rebula – Terra Rosanera 2017

Aroma 👃 “Red berries, strawberries, raspberries wild red berries, forest floor, moss and hints of spice on the aroma.”

Flavour 👅 “Starts sweet with red berries, redcurrant, and blackberries, then heads in the dryer direction, still keeping the flavours, but maturing them as it goes.”

This Slovenian Sparkling Wine Won a Gold Medal in the Gastronomic Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021

Pairing Notes

Champagne and French Onion Soup Pairing

Pairing Notes – “A lovely delicate Pairing, the French onion soup doesn’t lose any flavours, the Champagne just adds to it with delicate yellow floral notes and hints of creamy biscuits.”

Slovenian Red and French Onion Soup Pairing

Pairing Notes – “All the perfect flavours from the French onion soup are still present, the Red Sparkling Wine comes in with delicate red berry fruits, combining with the glazed onions and melted cheese, a truly wonderful Pairing. A perfect balance between the savoury and sweet flavours.”

How To Make A Wonderful French Onion Soup

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp Butter
• 6 Large Onions
• 200ml Champagne
• 2 Pints Beef Stock or Beef Broth
• 8 Slices French Bread
• Grated Gruyère Cheese

Method

1. In a large non-stick pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Sauté the sliced onions for about 30 to 45 minutes or until very soft and golden brown in colour.
2. Stir them frequently. If they are browning too quickly or scorching, turn the heat to low. It takes time to get that sweet caramelization, so don’t try to rush it.
3. Add the Champagne
4. In a medium saucepan combine the beef broth with the cooked onion and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Toast one side of the bread until golden, turn over and cover with grated cheese and toast until melted.
6. To serve, pour the onion soup into four individual soup bowls. Float a slice or two of toasted French bread, cheese side up.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Information Credit: Wikipedia

Image Credit: French Flag