Surprising Foods that Pair Perfectly Well with Sparkling Wine

Are you hoping to take your culinary skills to the next level? If so, pairing certain foods with a bottle of sparkling wine is always a good idea. Let’s examine some unique options, and why these suggestions will ensure that your guests keep coming back for seconds.

A Brief Overview

Before delving into specific recommendations, it is first a good idea to appreciate why specific foods work well with sparkling wine when compared to others. Most experts agree that the following categories are particularly suitable when paired with a glass of bubbly (1):

• Fried foods
• Foods that have been smoked
• Salty foods

This arises from the fact that the flavours associated with these foods will compliment the relative acidity of sparkling wines. We can now move on to discuss a handful of truly sumptuous pairings.

Chicken Curry

There is certainly nothing wrong with spicing things up a bit when preparing a memorable meal. If your guests are particularly fond of Indian food, chicken curry represents the perfect way to liven up any gathering. Selecting one of the many sparkling wines Millesima offers will also provide you with plenty of latitude in terms of the overall bouquet. Consider using a sparkling brut Rosé could be an excellent decision, as the floral undertones of this variety will help to accentuate the spicy elements found within a typical curry (such as ginger and clove).

Fresh Oysters

Whether employed as an appetiser or the main course, there is little doubt that oysters always attract a crowd. While these go well with lemons, why not take things up a notch by serving them with a sparkling wine? The slight acidity of sparkling wine perfectly compliments the natural salinity of oysters. Note that textures can also play a role. The rich creaminess of oysters directly contrasts the “bite” of a sparkling beverage.

Goat’s Cheese

This next recommendation is a great option for those who prefer a lighter meal, and it offers a healthy dose of fibre. Goat’s cheese salad and sparkling wine enjoy a hand-in-hand relationship thanks to how each compliments the other. Goat’s cheese is known for its intense flavour, and this can be seamlessly accented through the use of a sparkling wine; white wine being a popular choice (2). Another unique benefit of this combination is that white sparkling wine will help to cleanse the palate after each bite; an important attribute when we consider the fact that some cheeses are known for a rather strong aftertaste.

Smoked Salmon and Capers

As already mentioned, smoked foods have always enjoyed a hand-in-hand relationship with sparkling wine. Smoked salmon is one of the most well-known examples of how you can create a memorable meal in no time at all. This is also a great option for those who are monitoring a tight budget. Note that there are many different varieties of smoked salmon; popular flavours including hickory, orange, brown sugar, and applewood. Topping a few slices off with a handful of capers will provide an additional “kick” that can be subdued by a sweet sparkling wine.

Shortbread Cookies

This next option may come as a surprise to many readers, as shortbread cookies are known for their sweetness. However, we need to remember that one of the primary ingredients of these cookies is butter. The rich and creamy flavour of the butter can be delicately offset by the acidity of certain sparkling wines. Champagne is highly recommended, as there are many different varieties to consider. This is an excellent way to punctuate any meal, so get ready for a dessert that will create lasting memories.

Fried Chicken

Believe it or not, fried chicken is yet another food that works extremely well when paired with a sparkling wine. The effervescence of sparkling wine helps to cut through the greasy batter of fried chicken; providing a unique balance that is easy on the palate (3). It is even possible to serve this platter with a side of air-fried potato chips if you happen to be catering to guests that enjoy a laid-back experience. This meal is easy to prepare, and it suits a wide variety of tastes.

Eggs Benedict

If you have been searching for ways to reinvent brunch, sparkling wine will always rise to the occasion. For example, many foodies cite the complimentary nature of a fruit-flavoured wine with eggs Benedict. This is once again due to the acidic nature of sparkling wine, as well as its inherent carbonation. Both of these elements will help to offset the creaminess of the eggs, and to remove any yolk that may remain in the mouth.

Never be Afraid to Experiment

Remember that the term “sparkling wine” actually encompasses a wide variety of flavours and bouquets. From fruity varieties to dry and crisp blends, many options await. Do not hesitate to experiment with different pairings, and to search online for even more suggestions. After all, there is nothing wrong with a bit of decadence on occasion!

 

Sources:
1. https://jillhough.com/pairs-sparkling-wine/
2. https://www.stettyncellar.co.za/blog/sparkling-wine-food-pairing/?srsltid=AfmBOooe0-tLsdeo1OKA8qwDDo2xM0quEwJpo7Iirw9hhyUoGcZcz7ac
3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/david-tao/2024/05/09/5-expert-tips-for-pairing-sparkling-wine-and-food/