Champagne And Food Pairing - Complete Guide By Style & Course

Still serving Champagne just as an aperitif? But why? We have put together a trail of sumptuous food matches to go with everyone’s favourite bubbles, be it for a serious sit down dinner or a casual tête-à-tête with friends. There are copious amounts of Champagne and food pairings to please every palate and occasion.

In most cases I have seen Champagne served as a preamble to the main meal and not as a drink along every course. Maybe, the refreshing nature of Champagne resonates with a refreshing start to an evening of many delights, and its versatility makes it a perfect match with flavorful foods. Today, we will explore Champagne and Food pairing in a way you might not have looked at before —surprising, versatile and delicious.

Let’s go over the many different styles of this fizzy elegance and figure out what style of Champagne goes with what food. I have it broken down as an easy guide to Champagne and Food Pairing — from food and Champagne to best Champagne and cheese pairings. Different styles of bubblies bring different textures, and intensity of flavors, making it possible to pair champagne alongside all courses of a meal.

Food Pairing with Champagne as per different styles

Not all champagnes taste the same, different styles have different taste profiles. These different styles of champagne bring their own personality and magic to the table–some are crisp and highly acidic, others are softer with delicate flavors, or some are even sweet. Because of the wide variety, champagne food pairing intrigues wine lovers. Every bubbly gets its perfect match, let’s find which ones are the match made heaven.

And if you are wondering, is it okay to drink champagne with food? The answer is–it’s totally okay to enjoy Champagne with food—your taste buds will thank you, even better than sipping it alone. Because of the wide variety and exciting champagne food pairing, bubbly intrigues wine lovers. Every bubbly gets its perfect match, so let’s find which ones are heaven-sent. Get more expert advice by reading blog on how to drink champagne.

Non-Vintage Brut Champagne — The No Fail Apéritif

This is the most widely enjoyed ‘all-rounder’ style of Champagne. Vintage is the year in which grapes are grown and harvested, brut means dry. A Vintage Champagne is a blend of multiple vintages that amalgamates the best of them all. It’s fresh, bright and lively with citrus-driven notes, where fruitiness is balanced with a crisp acidity playing the most vital background role.

Given the lightness of a Non-Vintage Champagne, it is best enjoyed as an apéretif—an elevated beginning of any elegant evening, where conversations start to pop just like Champagne bubbles.

NV Brut Champagne and Food Pairing — A Brut Champagne pairs beautifully with an array of hors d’oeuvres — Shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon & cream cheese bites, open face finger sandwiches (chicken or tomato & cucumber), bacon or cheese canapés, classic crudités & chips platter with a dip or oysters alongside a wedge of lemon.

The zesty acidity and lively bubbles cut through the richness of a creamy bite or the brininess of shell fish, setting the perfectly cleansed flavour balance on the palate. It’s this effortless balance that makes champagne food pairing with NV Brut such a no-fail choice.

Extra Brut and Brut Nature Champagne (Low and No Dosage) — Pure, Mineral and Crisp, Perfect for Cold Appetisers

Zero or No Dosage styles of champagne have very little or no added dosage (sugar) and are also labelled as ‘Brut Nature’or ‘Extra Brut.’ The resultant Champagne is bone-dry, flavours are extremely pure, with high mineratlity thats very terroir specific.

The Extra Brut style of Champagne typically contains 6 gms/litre of sugar, which gets easily concealed behind wine’s high acidity and does not add significantly to the overall calorie count of Champagne. Very low sweetness and crisp, high acidity of these styles, help keep the varietal purity and delicate flavors of Champagne Grape Varieties intact.

Wait, worried about the calorie count in Champagne and your other favourite wines? We have it decoded — Champagne & Calories Made Easy, What To Know Before You Pour

Extra Brut and Brut Nature Champagne and Food Pairing — Pair these Champagnes with fresh Sashimi, caviar, crab cake bites, or tuna tartare. If you’d rather go for something vegan/vegetarian—try Champagne with Indian bhel—a puffed rice snack that is low-cal, tossed in bursting lemony goodness, enjoy the beautifully balanced acidity and delicate notes, each time you savour this champagne and food pairing.

Extra Brut and Brut Nature Champagne styles are perfect to pour alongside the appetiser course, as they allow the delicate food flavours to take the centre stage and vitally support the medley of flavours. The utmost dryness of these Champagne styles makes them ideal for ultra-fresh, delicate dishes and also for starters that are rich and bursting with flavours. In short, these bone-dry styles are a perfect match for cold appetisers and light bites, showing just how effortlessly food and Champagne can come together. No more second-guessing—this pairing solves the “what Champagne goes with what food” dilemma for you.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne — Bright and Elegant for Warm Starters

Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made using white grapes only, which could typically be Chardonnay. This Champagne style is austere in youth but has an unmatched ageing potential, thanks to its super high acidity that keeps things very fresh for a very long time and preserves its delicate flavors.

Expect a leaner, herbaceous palate, with more citrusy flavours when young, complex nutty, brioche like notes as it ages. It is Champagne at its most refined—undoubtedly.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne and Food Pairing —Enjoy it with fresh salads, garlic bread, tempura prawns or vegetables, goat cheese tart, it pairs beautifully with fried foods too like Indian bhajiyas or Vegetable Fritters (vegan), goat cheese tart, chicken popcorn or everyone’s favourite French fries.

Its clean, zippy taste profile further highlights light, savoury foods creating a symphony of Champagne and Food flavours on the palate, making it a go-to choice for anyone exploring champagne food pairing with starters.

Blanc de Noirs Champagne — Richer and Fruity for Poultry and Earthy Dishes

Made entirely from black grapes, typically Pinot Noir & Meunier, Blanc de Noirs Champagne tends to be fuller-bodied with red fruits, toast, a touch of minerality, a subtle herbaceous tone and at times a soft spice undertones. Given that acidity is comparatively lower, these Champagnes age a bit faster because of higher flavour concentration, allowing the delicate flavors of bubbly to shine through. This is a more robust and comforting style, compared to Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

Blanc de Noirs Champagne and Food Pairing — Pair a Blanc de Noirs Champagne with rich Duck or chicken pâtê, hearty chicken roast, mushroom risotto, pan-seared scallops, country style chicken pot pie. Richer and creamier flavours of these dishes are perfectly complemented by the intense flavors of Blanc de Noirs Champagne style.

Notes of bruised apple, graham cracker and hazelnut accompanied by Champagne’s creamy and luxurious mousse, pairs beautifully with these savoury and rich dishes. The red fruit depth stands up to heartier flavours, making it ideal for earthy dishes and poultry, creating a seamless champagne food pairing experience.

Vintage Champagne — Complexity for Meaty Main Courses

A Vintage Champagne is made only in the very best years—100% of the grapes used are from the year indicated on the Champagne bottle. A Vintage Champagne is aged longer in contact with lees (dead yeast cells), developing intense toasted bread, biscuit, cracker, and complex savoury and nutty notes. Vintage Champagne has more structure, fuller body, deeper texture and many layers of complex flavours as compared to Non-Vintage styles.

Vintage Champagne has the depth and complexity that walks well along the robust and ambrosial flavours of some of the most coveted foods. Right Champagne and Food Pairing makes for an ultra luxe dining experience—ideal for special dining moments.

Vintage Champagne and Food Pairing — Reserve the Vintage Champagne for luxurious main courses. Pair this uber classy Champagne with Lobster Thermidor, aged cheese like Gorgonzola, and truffle pasta to name a few. And for those still wondering, what meat goes well with Champagne? Traditionally, lamb, beef, or veal are the classic companions. But apart from this seafood and cheese pairings with a fine Vintage Champagne are also an ‘Oh-So Perfect Match!’

Vintage Champagne has the depth and complexity that walks well along the robust and ambrosial flavours of some of the most coveted foods. Right Champagne and Food Pairing makes for an ultra luxe dining experience—ideal for special dining moments.

Rosé Champagne — Fruity Versatility for Cheese and Meat Boards

In this case wine spends some time traipsing on the skins of black grapes (saignée method) to get the pink hue we love to look at or it is at times achieved by blending red and white wine (rosé de assemblage). Either of the styles undergo second fermentation to get those elegant and much desired bubbles and the result is — Rosé Champagne. It is a more fruity version of Champagne with red fruits flavour, balanced with refreshing and high acidity.

Rosé Champagne and Food Pairing — Fruity Rosé Champagne pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, charcuterie board with cheeses and cured meats are the perfect match, mildly spiced Asian stir fry or pepper sauce duck breast.

The fruit forward nature of Rosé Champagne works as a bridge for savoury and lightly spiced dishes, while the refreshing acidity pleasantly cuts through the richness of charcuterie or creamy cheeses. The most decadent bite for a rosé Champagne is — a Champagne and Chocolate pairing, it works like magic when you’re in the mood for something sweet with a touch of fine luxury.

Demi-Sec and Doux Champagne — Elegantly Sweet for Decadent Desserts

Demi-Sec Champagne has noticeable sweetness on the palate, while the Doux style is lusciously sweet. Since most folk are now leaning towards the healthier choices when it comes to their favourite tipple, these styles are less common today. But, they are mighty perfect for your sassy dessert table as they carry notes of candied fruit, sweet pastry and honey.

Demi-Sec and Doux Champagne Food pairing — Pair this sweet, sparkly Champagne with demure desserts like fruit tarts, macaroons, panna cotta, fruit parfait, or richer desserts like gooey chocolate pudding, cheesecake, or even light and fluffy sponge cakes. Chocolates and Champagne pairing is a match made in heaven — it just gets better if you pair gourmet chocolates with a sweet Champagne.

A sweet Champagne balances the sugar in desserts while the acidity gives the same palate cleansing effect we love in all styles of Champagne. Embark on a sweet little journey to France as you try these Champagne and dessert pairings tonight.

Here is a quick food pairings for Champagne by Meal Course that are definitely worth trying:

Get a deeper dive into the art of Champagne pairing in our guide, where we break down what kind of food pairs perfectly with Champagne.

Tips to pair Champagne with food

• Balancing is the key– lighter Champagnes pair champagne beautifully with delicate flovors, while richer ones wine pairs well with heartier flavors.

• Sweet vs. savory – pick the right sweetness so every dish is perfectly complemented.

• Get adventurous – Champagne loves surprises! Try it with fried foods or unexpected bites.

• Chill out – 45–50°F brings out the bubbles and makes every sip sparkle.

• Cheese, anyone? – nothing beats a classic champagne and cheese pairing or a tray of delicious appetizers to eat with Champagne.

Pro tip: Pop open your Champagne bottle when your food is ready—the fizz might get flat if it’s left waiting, and nobody wants sad bubbles!

How to Pair Champagne with Food, Cheese & Chocolate

Here is a quick cheat sheet on what food goes well with champagne and how to find the perfect champagne and food match.

Check out our exclusive Champagne and Chocolate Gift collection for a delectable adventure that pairs bubbles with bliss.

Final Fizz :

Champagne isn’t just for toasts—it’s a food-friendly wine that can take you from a delicate oyster or a shrimp cocktail to a decadent macaroon or fine handmade chocolates. By choosing the right style, you turn every course into a celebration.

- Champagne: The ultimate gift. Champagne makes for the most elegant and timeless gifts. Our curated selection features uber classy high-end Champagne bottles paired with gourmet treats, put together by our in house wine expert. Whether it’s a celebration or a thank-you moment, these Champagne Gift Baskets ensure, that you always pick a no-fail gift.

Also read:

- Want to explore more about Champagne? Read the ultimate — Champagne Guide To The Basics

- Not sure which Champagne grape styles to explore? Our post — 7 Grape Varieties Of Champagne breaks it down simply.

- New to sparkling wine? Polish up with our special feature — Sparkling Wine 101: A complete Guide To Types, Flavours & Pairings

- Wondering how Champagne & Prosecco are different? Discover our — Champagne vs Prosecco