Champagne: The Sparkling Jewel of Afternoon Tea

With Afternoon Tea Week taking place from August 12 – 18 this year, the Champagne Bureau UK* share their insights on why this British tradition has long been associated with Champagne.

Afternoon tea is one of the most quintessentially English customs – and is now often included in ‘what to do’ guides to London or the UK. The concept was initiated by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and close friend of Queen Victoria, who wanted something small to tide her over before dinner. From this, the afternoon tea ritual was born, and Champagne has been a staple in this celebratory tradition ever since.

The combination, rooted in history and elegance, offers a glimpse into the sophisticated world of
British social rituals, beautifully complimented by the effervescent charm of Champagne.

A Glimpse into History

The custom of afternoon tea dates back to the early 19th century, attributed to Anna, the Duchess
of Bedford. During the long gap between lunch and the late evening meal, the Duchess found herself
experiencing a ‘sinking feeling’ and requested a light meal of tea, bread, and butter, and eventually
added cakes and sandwiches. This afternoon interlude soon became a fashionable social event
among the British aristocracy.

As the practice of afternoon tea evolved, so did its beverages. While tea remained the centrepiece,
the addition of Champagne added an extra layer of sophistication and indulgence. This pairing can
be traced back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when Champagne was increasingly associated
with celebration and high society. The sparkling wine’s crisp, refreshing qualities were found to
compliment the delicate flavours of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, making it the drink of
choice for the elite.

The Modern Revival

Today, the tradition of afternoon tea has experienced a renaissance, embraced by luxury hotels and
tearooms worldwide. The modern interpretation often includes an array of gourmet treats and,
more prominently, the inclusion of Champagne. From classic Brut to elegant Rosé – as well as
Vintage – Champagne has solidified its status as the ultimate accompaniment to afternoon tea,
enhancing both the culinary experience and the sense of occasion.

Why Champagne?

Champagne’s versatility and refined taste profile make it the perfect partner for afternoon tea.

Here’s why:

1. Heritage and prestige: Afternoon Tea is a prestigious occasion and often featured in luxury
five star hotels and certain department stores. It is an affordable luxury with a rich heritage
that has evolved over time. With over 300 years of history, Champagne is the benchmark in
the sparkling category, embodying luxury, prestige and elegance.

2. Celebratory Nature: The effervescence of Champagne brings a festive and luxurious feel to
the tea table, transforming a simple afternoon into a special event.

3. Culinary Synergy: The versatility in Champagne styles means you can pair any of your
afternoon tea with the perfect glass of Champagne. The acidity and bubbles in Champagne,
cleanse the palate, balancing the richness of clotted cream, the sweetness of pastries, and
the savoury notes of sandwiches.

Champagne Styles for Afternoon Tea Week

Raising a toast to the rich history and the continued evolution of this delightful pairing, Champagne
Bureau UK is pleased to highlight a guide on potential Champagne styles to suit your tea of choice:
Rosé: the afternoon tea essential of a fresh scone lathered with strawberry jam and clotted cream is
the perfect companion for the versatile Champagne style that is Rosé Champagne. Aromas around
notes of freshness or complex wild berry fruit notes complement the sweetness of the strawberry
jam. The combination is also beautifully aesthetic and fit for an instagrammable picture.

Demi-Sec: for your beautiful afternoon tea cakes and tarts, opt for a sweeter Champagne such as a
Sec or Demi-sec. A Champagne Sec contains 17-32 grams of sugar per litre and a Champagne Demi-
Sec contains 32-50 grams of sugar per litre. The sweetness of these wines perfectly balances with
desserts, especially those involving pistachio.

Blanc de Blancs: Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made exclusively from white grapes such as
Chardonnay, is the ideal companion to all your favourite vegetarian picnic sandwiches. Blanc de
Blancs is a bright, refreshing, and lively style that is 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.

Blanc de Noirs: for a Champagne that can hold its own against the powerful flavours of coronation
chicken or salami sandwiches, opt for a Blanc de Noirs style – it is sure to be an explosive pairing.
Blanc de Noirs Champagnes are produced entirely from black grape varieties such as Pinot Noir or
Meunier. Generally, they have more body than wines that include solely 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.

Vintage: if you’re having afternoon tea for a celebratory occasion… choose a Vintage Champagne to
add prestige and depth of flavour to a very special afternoon. A vintage Champagne can be of any
style but comes from a specific harvest – to mark its characteristics, it will spend at least 36 months
in the cellar and often a good deal longer. As such, these Champagnes have more pronounced
aromas, such as undergrowth, gingerbread, dried fruit, coffee, cocoa, and raisins.

*Champagne Bureau UK is the trade association in the UK, representing houses and growers in Champagne.

Photo credit: Coworth Park