Enjoy the perfect tipple this summer with these tasty Champagne recommendations
The sun is shining and the days are warm, so we reckon it’s time to celebrate – and what better way to do so than with Champagne? Read on to make the most of your summer sipping.
MOËT & CHANDON ROSÉ IMPÉRIAL
Rosé all day is a motto to live by and this is one of the best. Synonymous with glamour and luxury, Moët & Chandon is the largest Champagne house in the world and produces some of our very favourite sparklers. The Rosé Impérial is a particularly special Champagne, thanks to its bright fruitiness and romantic blush pink colour.
Tasting notes
Made with a blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay, Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial is an incredibly balanced wine. The pinot noir offers intensity, while the meunier rounds out the wine and the chardonnay offers elegance.
On the nose, this is a bright fruity wine with bursts of red fruits, like strawberry, raspberry and cherry, and delicate floral notes of rose petals. On the palate, those fruity notes continue alongside peachy firmness and fresh mint, creating a vibrant, juicy tipple.
Drink it with
Sweet seafood, fresh herbs, salty cheese, vegetables from the nightshade family, aromatic spices, and juicy fruits
Recipe recommendations
It’s summertime, so opt for bright and fresh dishes with your Champagne. Think whipped goat’s cheese crostini topped with balsamic-roasted strawberries or watermelon salad with salty feta and fresh mint. If you’re in the mood for seafood, mussels and chorizo would be a delicious option or buttery, sweet lobster – ceviche or sashimi would work wonderfully too. Juicy Irish tomato bruschetta with good olive oil and fresh basil pair perfectly with Rosé Impérial.
For dessert, a luscious strawberry tart with a thin shortbread crust would work very well as would a bowl of perfectly ripe cherries, just as they are.
RUINART R DE RUINART
Established in 1729 by a forward-thinking monk, this Champagne is produced at a historic area in Reims, France. A total classic, Ruinart perfectly epitomises the art of French living and is ideal for summer sipping thanks to its fresh effervescence. Best served at around 8C, chill this bottle in an ice bucket for around 30 minutes before serving.
Tasting notes
Also made with pinot meunier and noir, chardonnay is at the heart of this Champagne and offers gorgeous aromatic flavours. On the nose, this wine presents ripe fruity notes of pear and apricot with the fresh nutty flavours of hazelnut and almond. When sipped, this golden liquid offers toasty brioche on the palate with hints of greengage and nectarine. With a long, lingering finish this is a Champagne meant to be savoured.
Drink it with
Seafood of all kinds, creamy cheeses, fresh vegetables and juicy fruit
Recipe recommendations
Another wine that’s perfect for bright dishes, this Champagne is the ideal accompaniment to seafood in all its forms. Try it with smoked salmon and cream cheese on blinis or brown bread, as well as delicately cooked sole or skate wing. Oysters are another great pairing – try them simply shucked as is or opt for dressings like Tabasco sauce, classic mignonette or soy and sesame.
If you’d rather avoid the ocean, then Ruinart often recommends a tomato and goat’s cheese tart – think crisp pastry, delicately cooked heritage tomatoes and creamy goat’s cheese. On the sweeter side, ripe fruits like peach, nectarine or apricot drizzled with honey and served with a spoon of thick yoghurt would be perfect.
Brought to you in partnership with Moët Hennessy
