We’re not quite speaking of Champagne. No, we’re speaking of Champagne in all its derivative, don’t-you-dare-call-it Champagne incarnations. We’re talking about Prosecco with the girls to kick off a hens night, a nice bottle of Cava when you’re looking for something similar that’s not quite there, and you can be sure we’re talking about a bubbly Rosé on a hot summer’s arvo.
And, it just so happens, that there are many delicious food pairings for when you buy sparkling wine, and we thought we share just four of our team’s favourites, so as not to overwhelm you with all the delectability that this beverage provides:
- Ravioli w/brown butter sage
Could anything be more indulgent? Well, perhaps a bottle of the original variant, Champagne, to accompany, but we are not talking about Champagne, and you’ll be pleased to know that this luxe meal goes just as well with this fizzy equivalent.
This rich, tasty dish, completed with butternut squash filling the raviolis, pairs well with the bubbly’s fizziness, making it a superb compliment to Italian sparkling wine.
However, the ultimate variation, and the one you should seek out for this meal, is the Franciacorta from Lombardy, which uses the same grape variety as the classic Champagne (as well as some classic varieties).
And, whilst it’s not as famous as a few of the other Italian varieties (i.e. Prosecco), its strawberry fruitiness make it the perfect compliment to this deliciously sweet and decadent pasta meal!
- Cannoli
Fancy a few dessert bubblies? If so, Prosecco is probably the closest thing you will get to a glass of Champagne. Although it doesn’t contain the same detailed production technique, it is still a zesty counterpart that goes beautifully with delicious desserts like the legendary cannoli.
What’s more, Italians understand the value of pairing fried food with fine fizz, perhaps more than other culinary cultures (but that should come as no surprise!). If you see any Italian wine menu you will likely see the word “fritti” (fried) pop up a fair bit, with little pieces of fried food like available to be enjoyed with a glass of Prosecco.
- Mozzarella sticks
What’s that? More fried, Italian or, at least, Italian-inspired food? Honestly, why not? Mozzarella sticks make a wonderful compliment to enjoying a fine glass of Italian sparkling wine, especially when you consider the likes of Lambrusco, which is light and fruity in nature, with a gentle tannin that works so well with fried food.
And whilst Lambrusco may be making waves for its ability to be easily paired with pizza, but you can be sure that its more snacky equivalent – mozzarella sticks – is bound to be a hit at the bar counter.
- Fish tacos
Sparkling wine and fish are a classic pairing – we know this. But, why not jazz them up a little by first frying the fish (yep – fried really is the way to go with bubbly), before adding them to a taco with a deliciously fruity salsa?
Think about it, you have everything you need in a fish taco to enjoy this beverage: fried fish, salsa, tasty tortillas – there is absolutely nothing not to love here and that’s why we’re all for this fantastic food pairing.
We hope the above has done enough to whet your appetites and get those food pairing delights. Yes, we’re serious about the fried stuff, and there is a very good reason you’ll find it on those Italian bar menus – it just goes so well!
Try it for yourself…
