A Very Bourgogne Holiday Apéro #WorldWineTravel
December “Bubbles from Around the World with Small Bites” with World Wine Travel Writers
This month, our World Wine Travel writers are sharing some of their favorite sparkling wines and small bites, perfect for a holiday gathering. Take a look further down in this post for links to all the ideas, you’re sure to find something to add to your upcoming holiday gatherings. Today, I’m taking a very Bourgogne approach. I’m sharing typical apéro dishes and a local sparkling wine; all from the Bourgogne (Burgundy) region.
(click on any photo in this post for a full size slideshow)
Domaine Dominique Gruhier
Domaine Dominique Gruhier is located in Épineuil in the Grand Auxerrois sub-region of Bourgogne (Burgundy). The winery is certified organic, having begun conversion back in 2003. Today they are going further with hedges and trees, birdhouses, and most recently incorporating sheep into their vineyards.
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose, all materials for this post were purchased. All opinions expressed are mine.
Dom. Dominique Gruhier Crémant de Bourgogne “Extra Brut” NV (19€ locally) 12% abv
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay from 7 parcels of Kimméridgien soils. The vin clair (still wine before second fermentation) is fermented by native yeasts. Crémant is a sparkling wine made by the traditional method with the second fermentation in the bottle (same method as Champagne). Dosage is 4 g/l.
Eye: pale gold with a nice, persistent mousse
Nose: Medium minus intensity aromas of brioche, apple blossom, lemon peel, lemon curd
Mouth: Dry with mouthwatering high acidity, medium minus body, medium alcohol, medium intensity flavors, medium finish. Flavors follow the nose, with an overall fruity impression.
Observations: A very nice sparkling wine, I was surprised to see the dosage was only 4 g/l. The fruity aromas and flavors give an impression of sweetness even though the dosage is very low. A perfect choice for apéro.
Apéro in Bourgogne
Spending the fall and winter in Dijon, France, we have plenty of opportunities to enjoy apéro with friends (both giving and receiving). We have lots of specialty shops as well as Les Halles de Dijon, our farmers market. Often, apéro consists of a number of purchased items such as charcuterie, olives. Gougères, a cheesy bread puff can be purchased at the bakery. Different from the US, cheese is rarely seen before the meal, as it is an important feature after the main course.
For my featured apèro today, we’re enjoying a rabbit terrine (country paté) from our organic butcher at Les Halles. With so many paté, terrine, charcuterie choices, no need to make your own. I decided to make our gougères today as I really love them warm from the oven; this was my first try! The cheeses for the gougères were purchased at our favorite fromagerie, Le Porcheret. I used Comté for the main cheese with a bit of Epoisses. I used David Lebovitz’ recipe for Giant Gougères. David has published a number of cookbooks and his website has a number of recipes to try. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, he has a section on his site of his favorite restaurants and bakeries. He has lived in Paris for years and he really knows his stuff.
World Wine Travel Writers Share Their Preferred Sparkling Wines and Small Bites
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Culinary Cam discovers A Bouquet of Bubbly Rosés with Festive Nibbles: From California’s Central Coast to Neusiedlersee, Alsace, Swartland, and More
The Quirky Cork takes A Sparkling Journey Through Hungary, Germany, and Armenia
A Day in the Life on the Farm shares A Tropical Grazing Board and Hawaiian Sparkling Wine; Mele Kalikimaka
Cooking Chat has Brie Crostini with Prosciutto and Sparkling Wine
Crushed Grape Chronicles tells of Bites with Bubbles – tossing together a party for two
ENOFYLZ Wine Blog shares Bubbles and Bites: Dr. Konstantin Frank Sparkling Brut Meets “Meat and Potatoes”
Wine Predator…. Gwendolyn Alley is Sparkling in German: 2013 Raumland Cuvee Marie Luise Brut Equals Fondue Fun
Savor the Harvest shares Sparkling Wine From Around the World with Dinatoire
Our Good Life finds the Top Affordable Sparkling Wines for Every Budget
Food Wine Click! shares A Very Bourgogne Holiday Apéro
