How to BBQ with Champagne

Pairing Champagne with barbecue might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s a surprisingly excellent combination. Champagne’s effervescence, acidity, and versatility make it a fantastic partner for the smoky, savory, and sometimes sweet flavors of barbecue dishes. Here are the best types of Champagne to pair with barbecue:

1. Rosé Champagne

  • Why It Works: Rosé Champagne, with its fruity red berry notes and slightly fuller body, pairs beautifully with the bold, smoky, and slightly charred flavors of barbecue.
  • Best BBQ Pairings:
    • Grilled Meats: Pork ribs, lamb chops, and smoked brisket.
    • Saucy BBQ: Sweet and tangy barbecue sauces, as the fruitiness of the Rosé complements the sauce's sweetness.
    • Grilled Vegetables: Eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms.
    • Recommended Styles: Non-vintage Rosé Champagnes or Blanc de Noirs with red fruit-forward profiles.


2. Blanc de Noirs Champagne

  • Why It Works: Made exclusively from black grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier), Blanc de Noirs offers a fuller body and earthy, fruity flavors that complement hearty, smoky barbecue dishes.
  • Best BBQ Pairings:
    • Beef: Grilled steaks or burgers with smoky char.
    • Game Meats: Venison or duck, especially when paired with spiced rubs or marinades.
    • BBQ Chicken: Especially with honey-glazed or spicy rubs.
    • Recommended Styles: Look for Blanc de Noirs from Grand Cru villages for added depth.


3. Extra Brut or Brut Champagne

  • Why It Works: These dry styles of Champagne balance the rich, fatty elements of barbecue with their crisp acidity and bright flavors. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Best BBQ Pairings:
    • Seafood BBQ: Grilled shrimp, lobster tails, or cedar-plank salmon.
    • Pork: Pulled pork, smoked ham, or BBQ ribs with lighter rubs.
    • Fried Sides: Fried chicken or battered seafood often served with barbecue.
    • Recommended Styles: Non-vintage Brut Champagnes with fresh, citrusy profiles.

 

4. Demi-Sec Champagne

  • Why It Works: Slightly sweet Demi-Sec Champagne pairs beautifully with sweeter barbecue sauces and marinades, especially those with honey, molasses, or brown sugar.
  • Best BBQ Pairings:
    • Sweet BBQ Sauces: Glazed chicken wings or ribs.
    • Spicy BBQ: Balances the heat of spicy sauces or rubs.
    • Grilled Fruits: Pineapple or peaches served as sides or desserts.
    • Recommended Styles: Demi-Sec Champagnes with pronounced fruitiness.


5. Grower Champagne

  • Why It Works: Grower Champagnes, often made in small batches with unique terroir expressions, bring distinct flavors that can complement the rustic and smoky nature of barbecue.
  • Best BBQ Pairings:
    • Regional BBQ Styles: Matches well with diverse barbecue styles, from Texas brisket to Carolina pulled pork.
    • Charred Vegetables: Corn on the cob, zucchini, or squash.
    • Recommended Styles: Look for single-vineyard or terroir-focused bottles.


Tips for BBQ and Champagne Pairing

  1. Consider the Sauce: Sweet and tangy barbecue sauces pair best with Rosé or Demi-Sec, while smoky or spicy rubs work well with Blanc de Noirs or Brut.
  2. Balance the Weight: Match lighter dishes (like seafood) with lighter Champagnes (e.g., Blanc de Blancs) and heavier dishes (like ribs or brisket) with fuller-bodied styles (e.g., Rosé or Blanc de Noirs).
  3. Serve Chilled: Keep your Champagne at the proper serving temperature (7-10°C) to contrast the warm barbecue flavors.


Example Pairings

 

 BBQ Dish Best Champagne Match Why It Works
Smoked Brisket Blanc de Noirs Full body and earthy notes match smoky flavors.
BBQ Pork Ribs Rosé Champagne Fruity flavors complement the sweetness of ribs.
Grilled Shrimp Brut Champagne Crisp acidity highlights the shrimp’s freshness.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Demi-Sec Champagne Sweetness balances the heat of spicy sauces.
Grilled Vegetables Grower Champagne Terroir-driven flavors enhance the charred veggies.