Caviar and Sparkling Wine Pairing
Pairing wine and caviar
Anyone who watched television between the mid-80s to the mid-90s is likely to remember the catchphrase "Champagne wishes and caviar dreams" from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. A classic pairing that connotes indulgence, luxury, and wealth, it's not actually a slam dunk, but when it's done right, it can be divine. While experimentation may be the enjoyable way to find perfect pairings, we also spoke with experts to better understand how to make the magic happen.
Caviar and Champagne: A More Affordable Indulgence
Caviar and sparkling wine
Caviar and roe have become more affordable than they were in the 80s and 90s, thanks in part to pioneering American farmed caviar companies such as Tsar Nicoulai. Tsar Nicoulai is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Not one to rest on its laurels, the company has 54 new concrete tanks, new oscillating systems, and will go from being eco-certified to solar-powered by 2030. Still can't afford caviar? Consider the roe of salmon, trout, bowfin or from domestic sturgeon such as hackleback or paddlefish.
Just as Europe or Iran are not the only sources of high-quality caviar, Champagne is not the only source of world-class sparkling wines. Champagne-style sparkling wines are being produced using the Méthode Champenoise in many regions around the world including many affordable options in produced in the US. Read more about affordable international sparkling wines.
Pairings
The Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Café makes pairing look easy, but as the knowledgeable staff is quick to point out, even once you've found a specific roe or caviar and style of sparkling wine that work together, not every category and not every vintage works. That said, there are some guidelines you can reasonably rely on.
Along with a deep dive into pairings at the café, we spoke to Ray Isle, wine writer and author of The World in a Wine Glass, and wine expert and author Leslie Sbrocco to learn more. The duo are hosts of a popular sparkling wine and caviar seminar at Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience that sells out year after year. The event features a variety of different Champagne and domestic sparkling wine producers and caviar and roe from California Caviar Company.
3 Great Pairings
Get Rich
Tsar Nicolai Reserve Farmed California White Sturgeon roe with Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut
Pairing to try: Tsar Nicoulai Reserve, Farmed California White Sturgeon with Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut. Here the richest and fattiest caviar is paired with a particularly crisp Ultra Brut with pronounced minerality that cuts through, refreshing the palate.
Featured at the seminar:
Champagne Louis Roederer "Collection 244", Champagne France, NV
Roederer Estate, L'Ermitage Brut, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County 2017
Ray Isle, author of The World in a Wine Glass credit Marc Fiorito
Salt + Dry
Tsar Nicolai Osetra with Roederer Estate Brut
Pairing to try: Tsar Nicoulai Osetra with Roederer Estate Brut. This is a creamy and buttery combination with each component sharing what feels like an equal weight.
Featured at the seminar:
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Palmes D'Or Brut, Grand Cru Vineyards, Champagne France, 2008
Iron Horse Joy!, Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2006
Leslie Sbrocco
Just as sweet wines complement sweet foods, dry sparkling wines complement salty foods. Sbrocco says, "Think about the texture, salinity, and intensity of the caviar when matching with sparkling wine. The saltier the caviar, the drier in style the bubbly. Seek out the ultra-brut Champagne from Laurent-Perrier, for example. If you have a more intense and lush caviar like Beluga, pop open a decadently layered aged Champagne like the Nicolas Feuillatte, Palmes D'Or Brut, 2008."
Depending upon how you eat caviar, salt can be an additional component to take into consideration. Shares Isle, "I'm partial to potato chips as a vehicle/delivery system/whatever the hell you want to call it for sparkling wine or Champagne, and to me the saltiness of the chip works really well with an ultra-brut or zero-dosage wine." Sbrocco agrees, "I’m with Ray! Any earthy, decadent caviar on a truffle potato chip with a glass of lush, complex Champagne such as Louis Roederer’s "Collection 244" and I’m in culinary heaven."
Roe, Roe, Roe
Tsar Nicolai smoked trout roe with Argyle Brut Rose
Pairing to try: Tsar Nicoulai smoked gold pearl trout roe with Argyle Brut Rose. In addition to the rosy, pink colors complementing each other, the big briny juicy bubbles of roe are accented by the umami and slight perceived salinity in a bubbly with backbone and structure.
Roe is more affordable than caviar which only comes from sturgeon. Sbrocco says, "When it comes to salmon roe and smoked trout roe, I’m a lover of California sparkling rosé as the perfect match. These roes have an orange-hued color and creamy, full-bodied texture with a streak freshness or smokiness. Look for a dryish, Brut style sparkler like the red-berry scented and silky Iron Horse Vineyards Brut Rosé."
Champagne Taittinger Prestige Rosé Champagne NV
Domaine Carneros Winery Cuvée de la Pompadour Carneros NV
Regardless of the strategy and pairing you choose, we hope all your Champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true!