Sparkling Wine and Food Pairing Guide for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner . . . do you know how you will be toasting to love? Of course, we never need a holiday as an excuse to open a bottle of bubbly––but we certainly won’t pass up the opportunity, either!

Truth be told, sparkling wine is incredibly food-friendly. The carbonation cleanses the palate, making it a great accompaniment to rich dishes, fats, and oils. At the same time, sparkling wine is light enough to pair with delicate dishes. A general rule of thumb is to stick with wines that are drier (often labeled “Brut”): high sugar content can bring out more fruit and tropical notes in sparkling wine, thus making the wine more difficult to pair.

Spumante and seafood

Valentine’s Day is often the time we splurge on “special” foods, such as oysters, caviar, and lobster. These foods are the perfect match for sparkling wine. Whether the seafood comes in a creamy/buttery sauce or is served lighter with lemon and pepper, sparkling wine will cleanse the palate and leave you ready for another delicious bite.

We suggest:

NV Malabaila di Canale V.S.Q. Pas Dose | Click Here To Order >>

Prosecco and appetizers

What is more fun than hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine? A Brut Prosecco pairs beautiful with starters that have rich bases with puff pastry, butter, or olive oil. It is also excellent with tangy goats cheese, baked brie, and caramelized onions. Start off with this treat and set the tone for a memorable (and delicious) meal.

We suggest:

2018 Vigna Sancòl Prosecco Brut

Crémant with main courses

Champagne isn’t the only region in France that receives acclaim for its sparkling wine. Have you tried Crémant d’Alsace? This sparkling wine comes from France’s northeastern Alsace region and has received the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation. It follows the same winemaking style as Champagne but can use more than the three grape varietals allowed in Champagne.

Considering the wine comes from France, it is no surprise that Crémant pairs beautifully with main courses, including pasta or meats with creamy sauces. It also stands up to grilled salmon, roasted chicken, and fresh herbs.

We suggest:

2018 Domaine Haegi Cremant d’Alsace Brut

Red and white winegrapes come together in this 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Pinot Blanc blend that results in fresh green apple and Meyer lemon aromas, a palate of toasted bread, and a crisp, clean mineral finish.

Representatives from Quigley Fine Wines are here to provide you with their knowledge of sustainable wines from around the world. Contact us to help you select the wines that will make your Valentine’s Day memorable.