Pairing Wine With Caviar

When you think about luxury, what is the first thing that comes to mind? When you imagine the best trait for yourself, what would it be? And if you might choose a dish that represents your best lifestyle, the best perception of yourself, what would it be?

For many centuries, and maybe for many centuries to come, this dish has been caviar. Symbol of luxury and amenity, these Sturgeon eggs are more than just a dish. They are the quintessence of extravagance.

And, of course, these characteristics can’t stand alone without any drink on the side. Again, if you think about a drink that you would enjoy with the length and salinity of the Caviar, what would it be? The answer is pretty easy – Champagne, of course!

Wine Characteristics To Pair With Caviar

Characteristic	Detail
Sweetness	Dry
Acidity	High
Tannins	Low
Body	Low to medium White, Light Reds
Tasting Notes	Apple, Citrus fruits, Apple, Blossom, Smoky, Pastry, Little Red Fruits

Best Red Wine To Drink With Caviar

We talked about which would be the best match for Caviar. The aim is to create a balance between the elements, but this could be difficult with yet medium levels of tannins. However, we can’t just stick with a limited white or bubble option. So let’s explore together also red wine suggestions to be paired with our Caviar. This is recommended just for only-red drinkers.

Pinot Noir

The first option that comes to mind would be a glass (or a bottle) of Pinot Noir. Light body (as is the standard if it comes from the Old World, especially France). Its subtle red fruit notes, together with its low tannin levels won’t overwhelm the delicate but intense character of the Caviar. In addition, the prestige that these wines have all around the world can join the high-quality image of the Caviar. Serve slightly chilled.

Best White Wine To Drink With Caviar

Traditionally dry white wines, better if they have bubbles, are the perfect pair for the Caviar. In fact, their high acidity enhances the length of the taste and the salinity found in the Caviar, elevating the dish to a new perspective creating an unforgettable experience.

Champagne

Champagne and Caviar is the pairing to end all pairings. Not only because of the crispy, vibrant high acidity of the Champagne complete with the unctuous and salty characteristics of the Caviar, making the pairing balanced, but also because both are niche products seen as symbols of a certain lifestyle. Champagne’s citrus fruits, apple and pear aromas will enhance the sea characteristics. Effervescence in the Champagne also improves the long finish of the caviar, bringing the guest to enjoy a remarkable experience.

Chablis

This appellation can only be recognized for wines made with Chardonnay. Here, Chardonnay gets the highest levels of acidity, together with aromas of citrus fruits such as lime and lemon, and green apples. Again, these characteristics will bring your Caviar and Chablis pairing to a new level.

Chenin Blanc

Talking about high acidity, subtle flavours and crisp fruit characteristics, we couldn’t avoid mentioning it. The combination of these elements, together with the fineness of the Caviar, will result in a perfect balance in your mouth.

Pairing Wine With Caviar Prepared Different Ways

Wine With ROE

Crémant

ROE are basically eggs that can be sourced from any kind of fish and some marine animals. Therefore the difference with Caviar is that the Caviar can be sourced only from sturgeon fishes.

Usually ROE is considered an alternative to a Caviar, but it’s associated with a lower prestige. Saying that, in our pairing we should consider this, so we can opt for a traditional method sparkling wine from other France regions (for example from Bourgogne, Alsace or Loire Valley).

These traditional method sparkling wines are called Crémant. Although the best examples can share some characteristics with Champagnes (such as the high acidity, or the pastry, toasty notes) they may be fairly cheaper.