• Quels vins et champagnes choisir pour les célébrations des fêtes de fin d’année ?

    The choice of wines and champagnes for the festive season depends largely on personal preferences, the menu envisaged and guests' tastes. General suggestions include a variety of champagnes, such as the versatile Champagne Brut, ideal as an aperitif or with seafood, appetizers and light dishes. Champagne Rosé, adding a touch of color and fruitiness, is recommended with poultry dishes and certain fish. For those looking for something exceptional, Champagne Millésimé, from an exceptional year, goes well with more sophisticated dishes.

    As for white wines, Chardonnay is recommended for seafood, poultry and cream-based dishes. Fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice for lighter dishes such as salads, seafood and vegetarian dishes.

    For red wines, a light Pinot Noir can be enjoyed with turkey, pork or light game dishes, while a well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon is suited to more robust dishes such as roast beef or red meat dishes.

    In addition to champagne, sparkling wines from other regions, such as Italian Prosecco, Spanish Cava or French Crémant, can also be considered.

    It's essential to take guests' personal preferences into account, and to ensure that the wines chosen harmonize with the planned menu. Serving wines at the right temperature is crucial, and it's always a good idea to ask a wine merchant for more specific suggestions based on individual tastes and preferences.

    Food and wine pairings for the festive season can vary depending on the dishes you're serving. Here are a few suggestions for classic pairings:

    1. Champagne and Aperitifs :

    Champagne Brut: Pair with light appetizers such as seafood, oysters, cheese bites or salmon canapés.

    2. White wines :

    Chardonnay: Pairs well with seafood, poultry and cream-based dishes.

    Sauvignon Blanc: Pairs well with salads, fish and vegetarian dishes.

    3. Red Wines :

    Pinot Noir: Ideal with turkey, roast chicken, pork and mushroom dishes.

    Cabernet Sauvignon: Pair with more robust dishes such as roast beef, lamb chops or red meat dishes.

    4. Sparkling wines (other than Champagne) :

    Prosecco: Goes well with antipasti, seafood and light dishes.

    Cava: Goes well with tapas, seafood and Mediterranean dishes.

    5. Sweet wines :

    Sauternes or Muscat: These sweet wines can be served with sweet desserts, blue cheeses or foie gras.

    6. Specific pairings for Christmas meals :

    Turkey: A light Pinot Noir, a well-balanced Chardonnay or even a red wine from the Beaujolais region can be good choices.

    Foie Gras: Try a Sauternes or a sweet white wine like a Gewurztraminer.

    Don't forget to consider sauces and accompaniments, as these can also influence the choice of wine. The key is to ensure that the wine complements the flavours of the dish without overpowering them. If possible, ask your wine merchant or a wine expert for more specific suggestions based on your planned dishes.

  • Dijon: The International City of Gastronomy and Wine!

    Dijon : La Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin !

    Opened on 6 May 2022, the International City of Gastronomy and Wine is a new destination not to be missed! This place aims to tell the story of and bring to life the values that are recognised by Unesco of the Gastronomic Meal of the French and the Terroirs of the Burgundy vineyard. 

    Great Exhibitions

    Three permanent exhibitions spread over 1750m² with a wide range of devices mobilised throughout these three spaces: texts, videos, photos, theatre, interactive animations, giant sets... Which describes the different aspects of "good drinking" and "good eating" in the French way:

    • « A table, Le petit théâtre du bien manger et du bien boire »
    • « En cuisine »
    • « La chapelle des climats et des terroirs »

    In addition to these three exhibitions, there is the temporary exhibition "C'est pas du gâteau, les secrets de la pâtisserie française". Dedicated to pastry-making in France, it was built under the patronage of Pierre Hermé.

    The City's Cellar

    The Cave de la Cité, located in the heart of the Cité, offers 3,000 references of wines from all over the world: one third from Burgundy/Jura, one third from the rest of France and the last third of foreign wines, of which 250 are served by the glass, including grands crus. The Cave offers personalised tastings with a daily selection from among the various references, for an unforgettable experience of discovering Burgundy wines.

    The gastronomic village

    Shops dedicated to French crafts (coffee, pastries, chocolate, cheeses, butchery, charcuterie, mustard, tableware, etc.) as well as a gourmet bookshop. Producers, craftsmen, breeders and farmers from all over France have come together to passionately build this Gastronomic Village.

    The Experimental Kitchen is a place where culinary shows, battles with guest chefs, cooking, pastry and mixology workshops, ephemeral dinners and much more come to life! This unique kitchen was created with the aim of showcasing the best of gastronomy but also to teach young and old alike.

    The Chapel of Terroirs

    The Chapel hosts the exhibition "la Chapelle des Climats et des terroirs" on the Climats of the Burgundy vineyards as well as the rich gastronomic heritage of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. It is also a place of exchange around the Burgundy vineyard, with testimonies of winegrowers, immersive projections and interactives.

    The restaurants

    La Table des Climats

    A "Vinostromic" restaurant that offers a unique experience based on wine and food pairings, with chef Kevin Julien under the culinary direction of Éric Pras, chef of the 3-star Michelin Maison Lameloise.

    Le Comptoir de la Cité

    At the entrance to the Cité, the Comptoir de la Cité offers a convivial and gourmet tasting session, organised around a large Chef's counter.

    Bamagotchi

    The Bamagotchi is a dining bar, with a 100m2 terrace and a rooftop under a glass roof. The atmosphere changes throughout the day to make sure you always have a good time.

    The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin is a perfect place to celebrate the French art of living!

    Charlotte Fournée

    Source : https://www.destinationdijon.com/destination/la-cite-internationale-de-la-gastronomie-et-du-vin/la-cite-de-la-gastronomie-en-details/

    La Revue du Vin de France, magazine n°659

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