Champagne in Sparkling Wine(14)

What's the difference between sparkling wine and champagne?

Sparkling wine is a type of wine made with carbon dioxide gas to make it fizzy or bubbly. Types of sparkling wine include cava (from Spain), prosecco (from Italy), champagne (from France), and California sparkling wine. Although champagne is a sparkling wine, not every sparkling wine can be called champagne. It is champagne only when it comes from the Champagne region of France and only when it's made with Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and/or Pinot Noir grapes.

What are some easy ideas for champagne cocktails?

Mimosas (champagne and orange juice) make a delicious summer cocktail. When making mimosas, use pulp-free orange juice and a dry Brut champagne to balance the sweetness of the juice. A one-to-one ratio of juice to champagne offers a tasty balance. For the holidays, try adding a little pomegranate juice to champagne (one part to two parts) and sprinkle in a spoonful of the colorful, red seeds for a festive cocktail.

What dinner foods can I pair with dry or rose champagne?

The acidity in a dry (Brut) champagne pairs well with steak, shellfish, baked chicken, and creamy pasta. If you're pairing dry champagne with dessert, choose desserts that are tart or have less sweetness like fresh berries, lemon meringue pie, or dark chocolate. The bright berry flavors in a rose champagne pair well with fatty or smoky foods like duck, fried crabcakes, or meaty pizzas. To pair a dessert with a glass of rose champagne, think chocolate lava cake or cheesecake.