W3 Wine School

Méthode Champenoise (France)

Méthode Champenoise is the method used to produce French Champagne.

The name is now reserved in EU, for wines produced in Champagne.

Méthode Champenoise Flavors

Citrus, Apple, Pear, and Strawberry are typical Méthode Champenoise flavors.

Lemon
Citrus
Apple
Apple
Pear
Pear
Strawberry
Strawberry

Fermentation flavors:

Butter
Butter
Bread
Yeast
Bread
Bread
Almonds
Almonds

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Oak
Oak
Vanilla
Vanilla
Toast
Toast
Nuts
Nuts

Méthode Champenoise Profile

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Medium - Full
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperatures:
10-12°C (50-54°F)

Méthode Champenoise Food Pairing

You can drink Sparkling Wines to almost everything whether it is French Champagne, Spanish Cava, or Italian Prosecco.

Sparkling wines pair well with salt, because the bubbles break up the salt in the mouth. Acidity and bubbles can also pair well with creamy and oily dishes.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Salads
Salads
Tapas
Tapas
Sandwitch
Sandwitch
Crab
Seafood
Oysters
Oysters
Salmon
Salmon
Sushi
Sushi
French Fries
Fries
Chicken
Chicken
Turkey
Turkey
Pork
Pork
Egg
Egg Dishes
Pasta
Pasta
Risotto
Risotto
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese

Excellent pairings

Caesar Salad. Seafood Salad.
Hors-d'œuvre. Sandwich. Focaccia.
Tapas. Ham. Serrano. Prosciutto.
Seafood. Oysters. Clams.
Crab. Lobster. Caviar.
Cod. Tuna. Smoked Salmon.
Fried Chicken. Turkey. Pork.
Egg Dishes. Omelettte. Risotto.
Pasta. Ravioli. Macaroni with Cheese.
Asian Food. Springrolls.
Sushi. Sashimi.

French Spesialities

Reims Ham in Reims Mustard.
Poulet au champagne (Chicken with Champagne).

The Ideal Glass for Méthode Champenoise

A Champagne Glass with a bell that points to the bottom, allows a pilar of bubbles to build up inside the glass. This is not only beautiful, but also extends the "life" of the champagne.

A wide middle section lifts the aromas out of the wine. A smaller opening concentrates the scent to the nose and directs the drink to the front of the tongue where it heightens an experience of sweetness.

Méthode Champenoise Cheese Pairing

Brie

The creamy, buttery texture and mild earthy flavors of Brie complement Méthode Champenoise's acidity and bubbles. Serve the cheese at room temperature with a slice of baguette and fig jam.

Camembert

This soft, bloomy-rind cheese offers a creamy, earthy flavor that complements Méthode Champenoise's acidity and bubbles. Enjoy with apple slices or a touch of truffle honey.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre)

The tangy, fresh flavors of goat cheese align perfectly with Blanc de Blancs, highlighting the wine's crisp minerality. Add fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Chaource

This creamy, slightly tangy cheese from the Champagne region is a natural pairing. Its lactic richness enhances the wine's effervescence and minerality. Enjoy with fresh strawberries or honey.

Ossau-Iraty

This Basque sheep’s milk cheese has a nutty, slightly fruity flavor that aligns with Méthode Champenoise's light and fruity character. Pair with quince paste or cherry preserves.

Aged Gouda

The caramelized, nutty flavors of aged Gouda work well with a rich sparkling wine like Blanc de Noirs. Pair it with dried apricots or figs.

Roquefort

The salty, tangy, and creamy qualities of Roquefort create a striking contrast with Rosé Méthode Champenoise, balancing its fruity notes. Serve with walnuts or slices of fresh pear.


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