It's Gonna Be a Fizzy Fall

Oh fall, I love fall! The brisk air, the changing foliage, and most of all - the food!

Hearty dishes to warm the bones and pairing it with the perfect vino to soothe the soul.

From tailgate chili to Thanksgiving feasts, I’m looking to some festive sparkling wines to hit the spot.

Sparkling wines can make a great meal, greater. They’re so versatile, and can often be enjoyed beyond just a celebratory toast. In fact, sparkling wine tends to have a higher acidity which helps in a variety of meal pairing ways. Acidity in wine does a good job of cutting through the fat component to produce a more balanced dish. Think plates with butter and cream bases, like potato gratin or mac n’ cheese. Sparklers also vary in levels of sweetness, ranging from Extra Dry (less residual sugar) to Sweet (more residual sugar). This is useful to know when trying to pair anything from appetizers, like charcuterie and cheese, to sweet and creamy desserts like mousse au chocolat and cheesecake.

Whatever the dish, my number one tip is to break down the profile of the dish. This will help when thinking about wine flavors and characteristics to balance out the meal.

Below are some fizz categories to ask about at your local retailer:

Lambrusco: Wonderful sparkling RED from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Nowadays you can find them on the drier side with lovely notes of blackberry fruit and mousse-like bubbles.

Pétillant Naturel: If you have an adventurous side and enjoy funky wine, this is the style for you! The wine is fermented in the bottle with the lees to create a creamy texture. It will usually vary from dry to tart, like cranberry sauce! Food friendly for sure.

Crémant: These are sparklers made using the Champagne method but produced in other parts of France, like the Loire Valley and Burgundy. They also range from dry to sweet, even Brut at times (zero sugar added). Always a hit, these pair nicely with oysters or stuffing! An affordable alternative to Champagne.

Whatever the occasion, have fun, ask questions & be adventurous!

Cheers,

Lourdes of the Vine

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