Champagne Pairings for the Summer Season

There’s nothing better than an English summer; tennis and cricket, barbecues, picnics and, of course, Champagne! With its impressive diversity, Champagne is an incredibly versatile pairing to enhance all of your favourite summer foods and occasions. As such, the Bureau du Champagne UK* are here to guide you on how to find the perfect Champagne to make this summer a memorable one.

Strawberries & Cream at Wimbledon

The classic Wimbledon snack of strawberries and cream, originally introduced by the right-hand man to King Henry VIII, Thomas Wolsey, has been a staple of the Wimbledon Championships since it began in 1877. Enjoy strawberries and cream in the afternoon sun with the berry notes of a Rosé Champagne; with lively fruity aromas which could be seen to describe both strawberries and cream. Rosé Champagne is most often created by blending white and red grapes, giving it a flamboyant joyfulness with notes of freshness (citrus fruits and wild strawberries) or complex wild berry fruit notes.

This year’s Wimbledon championships will take place 3-16 July.

Picnics and charcuterie boards for all summer occasions

Al-fresco dining is just around the corner and the warmer weather makes for the perfect excuse to bring a picnic to summer events. Adding Champagne to your hampers for Glyndebourne, Henley Royal Regatta or weekend cricket matches is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Arguably a summer essential – a charcuterie board will match the more powerful flavours and balanced acidity of a Blanc de Noirs (this Champagne style is also excellent at cutting through the fattiness of meat and cheese). Produced entirely from black grape varieties such as Pinot Noir or Meunier, Blanc de Noirs generally have more body than wines that include white grape varieties in their blend. As such, these Champagnes give the impression of power, density and structure and have what is known as “vinosity” – the sensation of heat on the palate.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made exclusively from white grapes such as Chardonnay, are the ideal companion to all of your favourite picnic sandwiches. Blanc de Blancs are bright, refreshing and lively wines that are all about finesse. Possessing notes of white flowers, citrus and exotic fruits, they are light to taste and will not overpower the humble sandwich. We would go with an egg mayonnaise and cress filling which is richer and creamier than most and would be the perfect Blanc de Blancs companion.

Barbecues – a sizzling match!

Non-vintage Brut Champagne contains less than 12 grams of sugar per litre, making it a drier drink that pairs beautifully with most food. As such, a non-vintage Champagne Brut and barbecue pairing is sure to be sizzling match! This style has an endless array of aromas and flavours and each grape variety brings its own touch. From a lively Chardonnay with notes of citrus and white flowers to Meunier’s roundness and fruity notes of apple and pear, whatever grilled meat and seafood you choose to put on your barbecue will be an excellent combination.

* The Champagne Bureau UK is the representation of the Comité Champagne in the UK, a trade association representing Champagne Growers and Houses.