Pairing Sparkling Wines with Summer Foods

Wine 101 Product Exploration

Pairing Sparkling Wines with Summer Foods

A bottle of Saintly the good sparkling rose.

Published: June 18, 2024

When it comes to pairings, fizz loves food! Thanks to its bubbles and acidity, sparkling wines perfectly balance dishes with a bit of heat. Think spicy Thai or Indian curries. Although there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to pairing, sparkling wine comes close. Matching this versatile wine with an array of dishes can be a fun and delicious exercise. Since the sky is the limit, we’ve rounded up some summer food pairings, starting with appetizers and mains, all the way to desserts. So, let’s get into it!

Appetizers to Pair with Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines make a complementary pairing with a variety of appetizers. The acidity and bubbles cleanse the palate, preparing it for the next bite. Here are some perfect appetizers to pair with your bubbly:

Oysters: The briny and delicate flavours of oysters pair wonderfully with the crisp acidity of sparkling wine.

Calamari: Fried calamari with a squeeze of lemon finds a delightful partner in a glass of sparkling wine.

Smoked Salmon: The richness of smoked salmon is beautifully balanced by the effervescence of sparkling wine.

Main Courses to Pair with Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is wonderfully versatile and complements a wide range of main dishes. Here are some fantastic suggestions to elevate your summer meals:

Grilled Fish: The bright acidity of sparkling wines cut through the richness and saltiness of fish, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the flavours of the delicate dish.

Roasted Chicken: The crisp acidity, zesty notes, and slight sweetness of sparkling wine go with the savoury and salty flavours of roasted chicken.

Vegetarian Dishes: A creamy risotto with peas pairs excellently with sparkling wine, bringing out its nuances. The richness of the dish is balanced by the wine’s acidity.

BASK Lightly Sparkling Rosé

750 ml

$13.29

BASK Lightly Sparkling Rosé

750 ml

$13.29

Cheese Plates to Pair with Sparkling Wine

Cheese and wine are a classic pairing, and sparkling wine is no exception. Here are some great pairing ideas for your palate:

Brie and Camembert: These creamy cheeses are complemented by the crisp acidity of sparkling wine, enhancing the overall experience.

Blue Cheese: A sweeter sparkling wine offsets the pungency of blue cheese, creating a balanced and delightful pairing.

Desserts to Pair with Sparkling Wine

Pairing sweet with sweet can be magical. The key is to ensure your dessert isn’t sweeter than your wine. Here are some must-try pairings:

Fruit Tarts: Berries and sparkling wine just go together, so naturally a baked tart filled with a variety of berries works beautifully with a glass of bubbly.

Cream-based Desserts: The bubbles and sweet aromas of a sparkling Moscato enhance the fruit flavours in a cheesecake topped with cherries, raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.

Top Sparkling Wines for Summer

A bottle of Bask lightly sparkling rose.

Sandbanks Sparkling Secco: Bubbly & Locally Grown - Available in stores and coming soon online!

Delicate notes of green apple, juicy peach, and mandarin orange accompany the subtle sparkling bubbles. This exquisite, locally grown sparkling offers a zesty, concentrated palate, with fleshy peach and lime zest flavours that shine through in the finish. For a perfect pairing, try simple ham and cheese croissants, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or elevated pairings of creamy garlic scallops and white wine with mussels.

Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sparkling Moscato: Lush & Fruity

This wine captivates with its intensity and expressiveness, revealing an array of tropical, floral, and citrus aromas. The lush, flavourful palate is enhanced by a delicate effervescence. It offers a harmonious balance, showcasing a defined sweetness alongside a crisp, fresh acidity. Bursting with vibrant citrus fruits, juicy pineapple, and ripe peach flavours, this sparkling wine delivers a smooth and extended finish.

BASK Lightly Sparkling Wine: Light & Bright

BASK has taken their dry and fruity rosé and added some fizz for a refreshingly sparkling rosé that’s zero sugar per ¾ cup (188 mL) serving! It has a gentle fizz with delicate hints of red pear, watermelon, caramel and honey, and a touch of spice. Pair a glass with lighter fare like fresh salads, sushi, soft cheeses, or seafood. 

Saintly Heavensent: Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

Experience vibrant and refreshing with this zero** alcohol sparkling rosé. Its tantalizing aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and delicate floral notes make it the perfect addition to weekend picnics and blissful brunches with friends. Enjoy the fine bubbles and smooth palate, balanced by a fresh acidity. Pair alongside a delicious charcuterie board of your favourite meats, cheeses, crackers, and olives to complement the wine's light body and fruity notes.

Pop, Sip, & Clink with Wine Rack

A bottle of Jackson-Triggs reserve sparkling being chilled.

Pairing sparkling wines with summer foods is an adventure that promises delightful discoveries and memorable moments. From appetizers to desserts, and everything in between, the versatility of sparkling wine makes it a perfect companion for your summer dining experiences. Whether you are planning a picnic, hosting a brunch, or celebrating a special occasion, let the effervescence and elegance of sparkling wine enhance your moments.

For your pop, sip, and clink moments, you can shop a carefully curated selection of sparkling Ontario wines at Wine Rack. As your trusted Ontario wine retailer, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive selection of local sparkling wine that caters to any palate. For those seeking wine recommendations, our knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through the array of options, ensuring you find the perfect sparkling wine for your celebration.

Prefer the ease of shopping online? With our easy-to-find online experience as well as quick and reliable wine delivery, celebrating with sparkling has never been more accessible. Need a bottle for a spontaneous celebration? We have over 160 locations in Ontario and select stores are open late, even on long weekends, accommodating your last-minute wine needs.

So, why not gather your friends, pop a bottle from our extensive wine selection, and enjoy the fruity and effervescent journey that sparkling wine has to offer. Cheers!

**0.0% ABV

Back to Tips & Sips