A Celebration of Pairing Perfection
The evening commenced with a selection of canapés, expertly paired with Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2011. The wine’s lively red fruit notes beautifully balanced the richness of Parma ham with balsamic onion and gorgonzola croustade, the freshness of lemon and dill marinated tiger prawns with Mary Rose sauce, and the indulgence of a loaded mini pork hot dog with crispy onions and English mustard mayonnaise. Even the whipped plant-based ricotta croustade found harmony with the Champagne’s elegance.
Moving to the starter, our guests enjoyed a London smoked salmon dish with pickled fennel, radish salad, lemon crème fraîche, and Exmoor caviar, paired with the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2013. This Champagne’s minerality and sophistication accentuated the delicacy of the salmon, creating a truly elevated experience.
For the main course, we presented a beautifully prepared Suffolk herb-roasted chicken breast, served with citrus-roasted baby carrots, pressed potato terrine, and a rich chicken jus. The depth and complexity of Brut Millésimé 2000 enhanced the dish’s savory elements, making for a bold yet balanced pairing.
To continue the journey, an indulgent cheese course featured a trio of carefully selected cheeses—Baron Bigod Brie, Stilton Colston Bassett, and Snowdonia Green Thunder Cheddar, served with biscuits, grapes, and quince. This was complemented by Château Dassault, adding a layer of richness and depth to the experience.
Finally, the grand finale arrived in the form of a baked apple tart tatin with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, a dessert designed to shine alongside the Prestige Rosé. The Champagne’s berry notes and crisp acidity provided a delightful contrast to the sweet and buttery tart, rounding off the evening with a perfect balance of flavours.
