The perfect Champagne is the ideal accompaniment to a special event.
From relaxed family gatherings in a sunny garden to marking significant birthdays and anniversaries, our expert guide will help you choose the best bubbly for the occasion – as well as some perfect food pairings too.
A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY
Try: MOËT & CHANDON ROSÉ IMPÉRIAL, €66.15
Notes: A lively bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry reveals rose and a slight hint of pepper. “This Champagne is dry, with flavours of strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, peach and a subtle note of eucalyptus coming forward,” says Benoît Gouez Cellar Master, Moët & Chandon.
Serve it with: Sweet seafood, herbs, salty cheeses, spices, and juicy fruits.
AN AFTERNOON WITH FRIENDS
Try: VEUVE CLICQUOT YELLOW LABEL BRUT, €64.45
Notes: On the nose, aromas of peaches and raisins reflect the grape varietals, while the ageing process results in notes of vanilla and toasted brioche. “Fresh and full-bodied, Yellow Label Brut is well structured, with a robust acidity and a streak of minerality,” explains Didier Mariotti, Cellar Master, Veuve Clicquot.
Serve it with: Salmon, pasta, blinis, Parmesan and crackers.
A SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
Try: RUINART R DE RUINART, €72.45
Notes: Lush pear, apple and blossom aromas combine with notes of hazelnut and almond. “R de Ruinart is rounded, full bodied and balanced, with flavours of greengages and nectarines. The finish is long and fresh as the chardonnay shines through,” says Frédéric Panaïotis, Cellar Master, Ruinart.
Serve it with: All kinds of seafood, creamy cheeses, vegetables and juicy fruit.
A FAMILY OCCASION
Try: KRUG GRANDE CUVÉE, €258.70
Notes: On the nose there are notes of flowers in bloom, ripe and dried fruit, marzipan, gingerbread and citrus fruits. “An exceptional freshness in the mouth reveals flavours of hazelnut, nougat, barley sugar, jellied and citrus fruits, almonds, brioche and honey,”
reveals Eric Lebel, Cellar Master, Krug
Serve it with: Oysters, grilled shrimps, Indian or Moroccan food, and tarte tatin.
AN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Try: DOM PÉRIGNON VINTAGE 2012, €249.60
Notes: White flowers, apricot, rhubarb and mint combine with ashy minerality and a dash of white pepper. “A smooth entry explodes into effervescence, focused by acidic and bitter notes. The finish has a tautness marked by ginger, tobacco and toastiness,” explains Vincent Chaperon, Cellar Master.
Serve it with: Cured pork, scallops, mild and soft cheese, and crème brulée.
Perfect pairings:
The Champagnes are available from the Moët Hennessy Champagne destination at Brown Thomas Dublin and leading independent off licenses nationwide, including O’Brien’s, Molloys, Waterford Wines and On the Grapevine.
Brought to you in partnership with Moët Hennessy
