Photo by Fego Restaurant Ascot
While mimosas are a popular Sunday morning breakfast drink, some may find them too sweet for their liking. Sparkling wine (without the juice!) can be a great accompaniment to many breakfast dishes. Does drinking wine with breakfast make you a “lush”? We don’t think so!
Dry or Sweet Bubbly?
Sparkling white wine, or Champagne (when produced in the Champagne region of France), is best known for celebrating special occasions. Typically made from the Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grape, sparkling white wine traditionally is dry (not sweet), light and refreshing. Of course there are sweeter types of the bubbly, typically made from varietals such as Moscato and Riesling. However, the dry types compliment breakfast quite well. A delightful one to try is Roederer Estate Brut (very affordable and likely found in your local wine/spirits store).
Which Breakfast Foods?
When deciding what to pair with a dry white sparkling, consider savory and somewhat fatty dishes like eggs Benedict, avocado toast, cheese and veggie omelet, bagel with cream cheese and lox (and a dollop of caviar if you’re feeling extra indulgent!), ham and cheese croissant, or your favorite quiche.
Prefer American diner food? Try pairing the bubbly with chicken and waffles, hash browns, bacon, any kind of egg, or even your steak breakfast. An unlikely pairing, it works quite well, actually!
Consider pairing a dry white sparkling with savory, somewhat fatty dishes.
Photo by Vinocultured
Whatever your persuasion (comfort food or slightly fancy), the refreshing acidic and effervescent quality of the wine cuts through the richness of these types of dishes, alleviating some of that “heavy” feeling and creating a nice balance on the palette.
It’s Not Just for Special Occasions!
So, the next time you’re out for breakfast and see sparkling wine on the menu, go ahead and order that glass of bubbly! Do it with confidence and in celebration of life and its simple pleasures.
Cheers to good food and drink!
“Why do I drink Champagne for breakfast? Doesn’t everyone?”
– Noel Coward, English playwright
Published on August 31, 2022
What’s your favorite breakfast food to pair with sparkling wine? Share in the comments below!
