Champagnes and Sparkling wines.

     Very popular type of wines usually reserved for special occasions. Wines are mainly derived from blending Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier grapes and Chardonnay.

     And what is the difference between Champagne and Sparkling wine? The only  sparkling  wine that can  be  referred to as "Champagne" comes from Champagne region of France. It's the most famous and popular, and some times is considered to be  the only of genuine  quality. But this  is not the case, as  there are  many quality  sparkling  wines  that come  from other countries, they just have  to be  referred to  as "Sparkling  wines" only and not  "Champagne". Apart  from France some other famous producers of sparkling wines include  Italy, Spain, US, Australia and New Zealand.

   So where do bubbles come from? They are produced during the time of second fermentation, when few grams of sugar and few grams of yeast are added. This process results in forming carbon dioxide, widely known as bubbles, and alcohol. This second fermentation stage takes place either in a fermentation tank or bottles themselves. Aroma reminds some fruits as pears and apples some times with hint of spiciness and of fresh bread due to added yeast. When it comes to flavor this is usually apple, pear, citrus, nuts and yeast notes with a strawberry, sometimes creamy finish.

 How sparkling wines vary? They are classified as Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec and Semi-sec, there are also sweet varieties. Besides  Champagne and Sparkling wines can be "Vintage" and "Non Vintage". Non vintage sparkling wines are widely sold on the market, Vintage ones are higher in price and more rare.

    When matching sparkling wine and chocolate better go for chocolate with lower sugar  content. As with  normal wines, red  sparklings  will  go better  with chocolate than their white varieties due to their higher level of sweetness. Some are very sweet, but best avoided, because they tend to be not balanced. Good quality sparkling wines have some level of acidity, making them balanced, but still being able to pair with quality chocolate. So best match to chocolate would be Demi-Sec and  Rosé as they  are a  sweeter range. Avoid  very dry  types like Extra Brut and Brut. Vintage  Krug is not  best option. Chocolate's sweetness will not do any favor to the sparklies, but only exaggerates their bitterness.

   Bittersweet and dark chocolate pair well with rosé sparkling wine and blanc de noir. Try Italian Prosecco Rosé or Cava sparkling wine from Spain. Some frisantes and espumantes as well as Rosé make a good tasting with fruit involved dark chocolate due to their fruitiness. Strawberries are very popular match when it comes to Sparkling wines and Champagne. If you dip them in dark chocolate your satisfaction is guaranteed. Leave this pleasure for a romantic evening.

   You can match milk chocolate with  slightly sweet  white and  red sparkling wines. Italians are quite good in making such. Try Asti Spumante or Brachetto, a sweet red sparkling wine. Spanish Demi-sec Cava sparkling wine has a slightly sweet taste and is fabulous with milk chocolate. Charmat method sweet sparkling wine will also be a nice choice. Rosé, some frisantes and espumantes have some sweetness and fruitiness, making them perfect for milk chocolate. Strawberries are delicious with Champagne and Sparkling wines. Make it a double pleasure by dipping strawberries into milk chocolate and tasting them with   a sparkling wine infused with natural strawberry. Full on the palate yet with an elegant finesse; the result of careful blending of the base wines. The wine has a hint of sweetness which complements the subtle lingering taste of strawberries. ? 

White chocolate will pair with sweeter sparkling wines. Go for Schloss Koblenz Cabinet Sekt or sweet sparkling Rosés such as Rosa Regale and Bugey Cerdon. Also try fruits dipped into white chocolate or berry based chocolate itself like Boxed mini slabs - Strawberry Crème which is a blend of natural strawberries with cream enhanced white chocolate and strawberry pieces just to create the  perfection.

Some sweets like Pink Champagne Truffles are made to match with Sparkling Wines and Champagnes. Simply enjoy doubled pleasure.

But if a very sweet pairing like it is with white chocolate and sweet sparklings is too much to handle, than make a challenge and try dry varieties of Champagne or Sparkling Wines. They will compensate each other's polar tastes.

Well, for each kind of chocolate almost surely you can find a right match among  Champagnes and Sparkling Wines.

Go to next page to have some pairing ideas. Whether you plan a thank you gift, a romantic evening, a present to someone special, a party night with friends or simply want to reward yourself for being such a great person, you can certainly find a perfect match to make unforgettable tasting session...

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