The ultimate food and Champagne pairings for Valentine’s Day
The experts at Louis Roederer tell us how to plan a night to remember…
Words: Zoe Dickens
In association with:
Public service announcement: this Friday is Valentine’s Day. And, we hate to break it to you, but at this point you’ve got pretty much no hope of booking a table at that restaurant your girlfriend has been dropping hints about. But fear not. With a little planning, a night at home can be even more romantic than squeezing yourself into a heaving restaurant with dozens of other couples.
The key to a great night in revolves around two things: excellent food and even better Champagne. So crack out these kitchen gadgets, brush up on these Michelin-level cooking skills and read on for the Louis Roederer Champagnes you should be serving – whatever your signature dish happens to be.
If you’re serving meat: Louis Roederer Vintage Rosé 2013
Now, when it comes to an indulgent dinner your mind might immediately go to steak – but consider the occasion here. Even the most ardent carnivore can feel sluggish, heavy and overly full after a big steak. Sexy? We think not.
Instead opt for a meat dish with a little more sophistication. A salt-baked roast lamb, perhaps. Or maybe a classic crispy duck breast with pomme frites. Trust us the extra effort will be worth it. Whichever meat dish you decide on, be sure to pour a glass of Louis Roederer Vintage Rosé 2013 to go with it. Its palate of pure pink grapefruit and lush peach will cut through the rich aromatics of the meat like a dream.
If you’re going vegetarian: Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV
If your partner is vegetarian and therefore tends to do most of the cooking in your relationship – don’t panic. There are plenty of easy, delicious dishes you can make that extend well past the ubiquitous goats cheese tart/fancy salad/penne al’arrabiata you’ve had hundreds of times. We’d recommend a risotto. It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy and you can tailor it to your date’s favourite flavours.
And to pair? Get a bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV on ice. This gorgeous, elegant vegetarian champagne will perfectly complement any toasty or earthy flavours such as nuts, mushrooms and beetroot.
For dessert: Louis Roederer Carte Blanche NV
If you’re putting a lot of effort into your main course you’re going to want something quick, simple but crowd pleasing for dessert – and, frankly, you can never go wrong with a classic fruit tart. The thought of making pastry may sound intimidating but, we promise, it’s easier thank you think (and if you’re really pushed for time shop bought ready rolled is good too). Why not make individual pastry cases and then get your date in the kitchen to customise them with different toppings?
Keep the fun flowing with a lovely demi-sec Champagne, like Louis Roederer Carte Blanche NV, which is full of complementary sweet notes but with an elegant fizz to refresh the palate.
For something really special: Louis Roederer Cristal
Planning to propose? Go big or go home with Louis Roederer Cristal, the ultimate prestige cuvée. Originally commissioned by Tsar Alexander II of Russia in 1876 for his private consumption, if it’s good enough for royalty then it’s ideal to toast your new engagement.
If you’re popping the question before dinner then this pure, intense and complex Champagne is perfect for rich meats, such as chicken, monk fish or veal, and loves a butter or cream-based sauce. We’d recommend something like chicken a la king or smoked monk fish with oyster mousse but, if you’ve just gotten engaged, we’re pretty sure whatever you serve up will more than pass muster.
Here’s how to pick the perfect engagement ring…
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