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

Image: Champagne Journal