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HOLIDAY SPARKLING WINE PAIRINGS
From cozy dinner with family to festive parties with friends, nothing says celebration like sparkling wine. But those celebratory bubbles can come with questions: how do you choose the right sparkling wine? What foods will you serve, and how do you pick a good pairing?
Create memorable holiday celebrations with these quick tips on sparkling wine; how to choose the proper bubbles for the occasion, and what to serve with appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.
THE LEVELS OF SPARKLING WINE PAIRING
Level 1: Consider the sweetness.
Sparkling wines can range from very dry (brut nature) to very sweet (doux). For an easy pairing tip, think: sweet food with sweet wine, savory food with dry wine. Sweet food can make wine taste less sweet and more acidic, while savory food can make wine taste more fruity and refreshing.
Level 2: Consider the complexity.
Sparkling wines can have different levels of intensity, depending on the grape variety, aging method, and dosage. As you level up your pairings, consider light and simple wines to enhance the freshness and delicacy of light and simple dishes, and rich and complex wines to match the depth and intensity of rich and complex dishes.
MUMM NAPA’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY PAIRINGS
APPETIZERS TO ENJOY WITH SPARKLING WINE
Set the mood for the main course with light, fresh appetizers that are easy to eat and perfect to enjoy with sparkling wine:
BAKED BRIE WITH APRICOT COMPOTE // BLANC DE NOIRS
The creamy, rich texture of the brie and tangy, sweet flavor of the apricot complement this wine’s fruity aromas, crisp acidity, and fine bubbles.
OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER // DVX BRUT
The acidity and minerality of the wine cut beautifully through the rich and creamy oysters and the savory, herbal flavors of their topping.
THE MOST DELICIOUS MAIN DISHES WITH SPARKLING WINE
As the highlight of the celebration, the main course should be hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, with strong and bold sparkling wines to match.
TURKEY SALAD WITH CHERRY VINAIGRETTE // SPARKLING PINOT NOIR
Add complexity and elegance, with the acidity and fruitiness of the wine balancing the sweetness of the cherries and the savory, nutty flavors of the turkey and almonds
GRILLED PEACH AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD // DVX ROSÉ
Sweet and juicy peaches, salty and crispy prosciutto. A balanced and satisfying bite that is perfectly emphasized by the acidity and fruitiness of the wine.
INDULGENT DESSERTS TO PAIR WITH SPARKLING WINE
The sweet finale of the celebration. Indulgent, decadent, and delicious, these desserts pair beautifully with a sweeter sparkling wine.
MASCARPONE AND RASPBERRY TART // G.H.MUMM GRAND CORDON ROSÉ
A buttery and flaky crust to complement the wine’s elegance and finesse.
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE & CHANTILLY // G.H.MUMM GRAND CORDON BRUT
The sweetness and creaminess draw contrast with the freshness and acidity of the wine, while the bubbles add lightness and sparkle to the dish.
