We’re here to show you that you can pair your favorite fatcork cuvées with your favorite foods. Champagne isn't just for parties, although they do make quite the splash. Champagne is one of the most versatile wines for pairing with food. Next time you reach for that sauvignon blanc to pour with your halibut, maybe think again and get one of these bad boys on ice.

Champagne Has a Place at the Table, Too 

Whether its the season for hefty blanket and a warm meal, or sunblock and a blanket in the shade, there’s no denying the fact that eating and drinking is a seasonal affair. That’s why today we are focusing on pairing Champagne with some of our favorite year-round bites.

When it comes to food pairing, Champagne isn’t so different than other wines. As a rule, the wine should either compliment or contrast whatever you’re eating. So pour yourself a glass and let’s dig in!

Before the Meal

Amuse-Bouche

If you’re planning to drink bubbles while your guests begin to arrive, consider the small bites that will be put out to greet them. Whether it’s a crudités of radish and butter, cured Italian meat, or a platter of deviled eggs, pick a wine that won’t spoil the appetite. Something light, dry, crisp and bright should do such as an extra brut or brut nature rosé, or a mineral chardonnay dominant blend or blanc de blancs. 

fatcork pairing:  Adrien Redon Extra Brut

Salty Snacks

Few things contrast Champagne better than salty, savory, crunchy snacks. In fact, a handful of buttered popcorn or potato chips are great for cleansing the palate between sips. Salty snacks are enhanced by the tiny perfect bubbles and bright acidity of a brut Champagne. This specific pairing shines on nights when you’ll be drinking wine in your pajamas (no judgement)! 

fatcork pairing:  Mathieu-Gandon Esprit Brut

The Finer Things

Sometimes it’s okay to be extra fancy. And for those times, few things are more appropriate then popping a bottle of your nicest cuvée to go with that ounce of beluga caviar, those freshly shucked oysters, or the can of foie gras you smuggled home from Paris. Salty, briney fruits de mers is a fast friend to mineral rich blanc de blancs. For such occasions, try something delicate from the Côte des Blancs. (fancy side note: few things pair better with Champagne than sushi!)

fatcork pairing:  Stephane Regnault Lydien No. 29

During the Meal

From the Land

It turns out a full-bodied malbec isn’t the only wine you can use to wash down a dry-aged hunk of meat. Yes, Champagne can be a meat-lovers best friend, too. Beef, lamb, duck, and everything in between should be paired with something from the dark side. Try a rosé saignée - a style of rosé Champagne that expresses concentrated red fruit flavors, with body, structure and tannin to boost!

fatcork pairing:  Jean Baillette-Prudhomme Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru

From the Sea

Seafood and Champagne is a classic combination. The delicate nature of sparkling wine offers the perfect compliment to lobster, scallops, or a mountain of crab legs. Choose a cuvée with present acidity, floaty effervescence, and a crisp, clean, lengthy finish. Rosés with a high assemblage of chardonnay are even better!

fatcork pairing:  Petit le Brun et Fils Premier Cru Rosé

Guilty Pleasures

Indulgence is the spice of life. So, next time you cave to your baser desires and cozy up with a bucket of fried chicken and a side of mac and cheese, you might as well do it in style! In a stroke of divine genius, Champagne pairs naturally with greasy fried foods. Try a bottle that cuts through the heaviness and provides a soft buzz to go along with that food coma. 

fatcork pairing:  Pascal Redon Cuvée Diaphane Blanc de Blancs

East Meets West

It’s truly amazing when two things that originated on opposite sides of the planet ends up being the perfect match. Such is the case with spicy asian cuisine and Champagne. Common flavor profiles found in Szechuan dishes, Malaisian sambal, or Thai noodles all provide a nice contrast to subtle nature of Champagne. We recommend something with a bit more fruit, especially when cranking up the heat.

fatcork pairing:  Pascal Redon Brut Rosé

After the Meal

Freshly Baked

Cookies and cakes and pies, oh my! For the stuff that comes hot and fresh out the oven, Champagne offers a worthy compliment. Dessert wine is traditionally quite sweet - as a way to not distract from the flavors of your favorite treats. If it ain’t broke, right? Try something with a higher dosage to wash down those crumbly bits of joy. 

fatcork pairing:  Didier Ducos Absolu Meunier

Chocolate Everything

There’s really no way to screw this one up. If you like to drink it, chances are you’ll love to drink it with a chunk of dark chocolate. But if you really want to do it right, try a deeply satisfying rosé to make everything in your life feel good.

fatcork pairing:  Mathieu-Gandon Rosé de Saignée

Bonus for Brunch Lovers

For lazy days with little to do, there's always room for a boozy brunch. For our money, Champagne is the best way to enjoy runny eggs and a warm croissant. For breakfast in bed or late morning picnics, pop a bottle and let the day slide away!

fatcork pairings:
Didier Ducos L'Ablutien Brut
 or
Petit Le Brun et Fils Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Demi if you’re not trying get too crazy.

Happy pairing!

Santé,
Team fatcork