With the CFL season underway and NFL to start, you may wonder what to drink when you watch the game. Beer? No, Champagne! Here is some information from the Comite Champagne about how you can pair Champagne with different snacks while you watch football. Enjoy!
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Champagne might seem like an untraditional choice to drink while watching the game, but those tuning in on Sundays can elevate their viewing experience with Champagne, mac and cheese, fries, and lemon pepper wings. The unique sparkling wine from Champagne, France can be a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs well with gameday staples – and is a great way to commemorate the first victory of the season during your post-game celebrations too!
Whether you are tailgating, hosting a watch party, watching solo or looking for your next happy hour order, see below for pairing recommendations you may want to try:
- Mac and Cheese – Champagne serves as a palate cleanser, so by pairing Champagne and cheese, this pairing is a match made in French and football heaven. For this pairing, we recommend a Brut Champagne to use its acidity to cut through the creaminess.
- Fries – the saltiness of fries, mixed with the dry bubbles of Champagne, makes for an amazing pairing experience. For maximum effervescence, we recommend a Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
- Lemon Pepper Wings – What tailgate isn’t complete without wings? Champagne complements the acidity of lemon and the kick of pepper, another classic gameday pairing with a new flair! Enjoy this pairing with an Extra Brut Champagne to bring out all of the flavors in the wings.
In addition, for those readers who may be tailgating at the stadium, here is a guide for getting your Champagne to the perfect temperature, even on the go.
If you want to learn more about Champagne to impress your friends at halftime, take the Champagne Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) by the Comité Champagne, which represents the 16,200 growers and 360 houses in Champagne. The classic version is free and is packed with additional pairing tips and fun facts about the region and its wines.