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Sparkling wines are characterised by their bubbles, freshness and versatility, ranging from celebratory aperitifs to serious food wines.
Both are white Champagnes: Blanc de Blancs uses white grapes, usually Chardonnay; Blanc de Noirs uses Pinot Noir, Meunier or both. The first can feel citrus-led and fine, the second broader and fruitier, though bottles overlap.
Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made only from white-skinned grapes, usually Chardonnay. It often tastes fresh and citrus-led, though origin, winemaking and age can make it richer.
Pinot Meunier is a red grape best known for adding supple fruit and roundness to Champagne, especially in the Marne Valley. It also makes fresh sparkling wines and occasional juicy reds.
Pinot Noir is the best all-round match: its fresh red fruit and gentle tannins suit mushrooms’ savoury, earthy flavour. Try Chardonnay with cream or Gamay for a lighter red alternative.
Piedmont, in north-west Italy, is famous for Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera. Its wines range from fragrant, tannic reds to crisp whites and gently sparkling Moscato.
Choose a fresh, medium-bodied red for steak and ale pie, textured Chardonnay for creamy chicken and mushroom, and dry sparkling wine or fresh Chardonnay for fish pie. For blue cheese, try Sauternes or sweet Chenin Blanc.
Savoie is a small, scattered wine region in eastern France, best known for crisp Jacquère whites, aromatic Altesse and peppery Mondeuse reds, often shaped by Alpine slopes and cool conditions.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white grape known for apple, pear, citrus and honeyed flavours. It is grown especially in France’s Loire Valley and South Africa, producing dry, sparkling and sweet wines.
France's Loire Valley stretches from the Atlantic inland. Expect crisp Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, with styles ranging from bone-dry to sweet and sparkling.
Sauvignon Blanc is the benchmark wine for fresh goat cheese, especially from Loire Valley. Dry Chenin Blanc suits firmer, mature or substantial preparations, while Vermentino and Albariño offer fresh alternatives. Brut sparkling wine is another interesting choice across several goat-cheese styles.
Champagne is a sparkling-wine region in north-east France, famous for bottle-fermented wines with fine bubbles, bright acidity and flavours from citrus and apple to brioche and nuts.
The easiest way to pair wine with BBQ is to match the food’s character with the wine’s structure. Smoke → Syrah or Rioja; Lemon & herbs → Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño; Sweet BBQ → Zinfandel or Primitivo; Seafood & veg → crisp white or rosé; Dessert → lightly sweet wine
Second Glass
Second Glass writes about wine. Please confirm you are old enough to view alcohol-related content in your location.
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