Champagne Sundays is starting a little late this evening (super late); but a Doll had a busy day. Today’s Champagne Sunday suggestion is less than complicated. I usually share a champagne cocktail recipe, but last night the Mr. & I tried a bottle of Gruet Brut Rose while watching the movie Olympus is Falling. I have to say, I recommend both ~ the movie and the sparkling wine!
Brut Rose is considered a non-vintage sparkling wine, reasonably priced and can be purchased at any local wine and spirits store. I also recommend the Gruet Brut, which is considered the Gruet Winery’s “flagship sparkling wine.” It’s another favorite.
While I was thinking about Champagne Sunday’s, it dawned on me that a lot of the Pretty Domestic Dolls, in addition to enjoying a glass of bubbly, are also serious wine enthusiasts. I was reminded that several years ago, I hosted a meeting for a women’s organization to which I belong, and my hostess gift was a customized wine pairing magnet, of all things. Sounds corny, but who could have guessed that a magnet would be such a smash! That said, to accompany my Champagne Sunday’s suggestion, how about a little Wine Pairing 101.
A GUIDE TO SERVING WINE ~ PAIRING FOOD & WINE
CHEESE
~ Creamy Soft Brie or Camembert ~
Red Burgundy, Chardonnay, Chablis
~ Strong Goat Cheese ~
Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume
~ Semi-Hard Cheese ~
Semillon, Rioja, Sauvignon Blanc
~ Smoked Cheese ~
Gewurztraminer, Sauternes, Shiraz
~ Strong Blue Cheese ~
Sauternes, Port, Hermitage, Madeira
MAIN DISHES
~ Chicken ~
Chardonnay, Rioja, Barbera, Grenache, Burgundy
~ Steak ~
Full-bodied Red such as Cabernet, Bordeaux
~ Grilled Fish ~
Light, medium-bodied whites such as Pinot Grigio, Chablis
~ Pasta (red sauce/white sauce) ~
Chianti, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc/Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay
~ Raw or Steamed Shellfish ~
Crisp, acidic wines such as Champagne, Sauvignon Blanc
DESSERTS
Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Riesling, White Zinfandel, Spumante
So call your Dolls, or a date, whip up your favorite gourmet meal and pair with the perfect wine or champagne. Chin Chin!
By the by, I still have a couple of magnets left if anyone is interested. They are tres cute!
Until Then,
~ L.
The Pretty Domestic
The Pretty Domestic | Life with Elle 
Cheers!
I am too tickled to see Gruet Winery and the Brut Rose mentioned. This NM winery is right down the road from me and have excellent wines. I actually visited another NM winery, Anasazi Fields Winery for the first time. I can’t wait to have the American Cranberry for Thanksgiving. I’m interested in the magnets too!
I was too tickled to see this New Mexico Winery on The Pretty Domestic. It is right down the street from me and has excellent wines. Today, I visited another Anasazi Fields Winery for the first time and can’t to serve the American Cranberry for Thanksgiving. Thanks for Champagne Sundays and I’m interested in a couple of magnets too!
Great suggestions especially as the holidays are approaching.
I just love it! “Chablis” it is with my next Grilled Fish, Salud 🙂
Champagne Sundays will be the new tradition chez moi! I’ll start by trying the Gruet Brut.
P.S. …I’d love a magnet.