A welcome-glass of bubbles is de rigueur this time of year (and really, why not any time?), but that doesn’t mean the pairings must be overly fussy to be perfect. We took a stroll down the snack aisle, raided the pantry and put together a cheese board to create a spread of simple things you can throw on a table or pass around for your guests to nosh and still have time to enjoy their company. The basic rule is you don’t have to go overboard to find the perfect complements to Champagne. But go right ahead and dip those chips in caviar.
Which Glass Should I Use?
Unlocking Champagne’s intricacies and flavors is all about treating it like still wine and fully appreciating its aromas and nuances. For nonvintage and stainless steel-aged wines, reach for an all-purpose or white wine glass. To savor delicate floral notes, opt for a medium-wide tulip glass, which works especially well for vintage bottlings. If you’re diving into bubbles that have seen some oak aging or barrel fermentation, embrace the Burgundy glass to let the wine breathe and boast its true power. And raise a flute… if you feel like it.
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Photographer: Marshall Troy, Photography Assistant: Kevin Glazer, Prop Stylist: Jessica Zindren, Food Stylist: Dana Bonagura Guacamole (and Chips)
Zippy expressions of yellow stone fruit and quince beautifully enhance the creamy ripeness of avocado, while the wine’s bright acidity
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast