Get a bottle of sparkling wine chilled down as soon as you can, so you’ll be able to join the rest of the drinking world in raising a glass to International Champagne Day, which is today. There’s plenty of reason to celebrate, too, given the first game of the World Series. But I’m one who believes that any day is a fine day to enjoy a glass of Champagne, Cava (the Spanish equivalent) or a California sparkler, such as Iron Horse Vineyards 2005 Ocean Reserve, which benefits ocean projects.
Here are some of my favorite foods to enjoy with bubbles, gleaned from the Wine of the Week Pairing archives, with a few Seasonal Pantry recipes, too.
L’Ermitage Anderson Valley Brut & Taramosalata
L’Hermitage Anderson Valley Brut with a Gilded Cheese Plate
Gloria Ferrer Brut & Potato Pancakes with Smoked Fish, Radishes & Caviar Cream
Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee & Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
Eggs on the Half Shell with Oysters & Caviar
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut with Whipped Herb Custard & American Caviar
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley NV Brut & Dungeness Crab with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Pommery Brut Royal & Potted Chicken Livers
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut & Jacques Pepin’s Cream of Mussel Soup