3 days ago
How To Choose Champagnes For Your Next Oyster Night
Why do champagne and oyster go well together? Three somms weigh in. Champagne Bureau
In the world of wine and food pairings, few combinations capture the allure of Champagne and oysters. This isn't only a matter of tradition or luxury; it's a story written in limestone and brine, where geology enhances gastronomy.
Millions of years ago, mineral-rich limestone that builds three-fourths of Champagne's prestigious vineyards was also forming the seabeds where some of the world's finest oysters have flourished. According to sommelier Dan Velisek, wine director and sommelier at The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles, Illinois, this shared geological heritage creates "a similar mineral backbone," forming the foundation for one of gastronomy's most celebrated duos.
George Staikos, head of education at Bureau du Champagne USA, says Champagne and oysters illuminate the art of harmony and flavor. "When pairing wine and food, you are generally experiencing one of two sensory experiences: complementing the attributes of each or contrasting them," he notes.
He points to Champagne and oysters as a perfect example of complementary partners, thanks to the 'beautiful bright acidity and vibrancy' of Champagne and the 'equally intense, clean, flavorful taste of oysters, along with the salinity that adds a special nuance."
On the palate, the oyster's briny, creamy, mineral essence meets Champagne's crisp effervescence, its high acidity cutting through richness in the mouth. This creates what Staikos calls "umami synergy,' where each element enhances the other for an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
"The fine bubbles act like a palate cleanser," Velisek explains. He says the wine 'scrubs the tongue clean between oysters, allowing each one to shine."
Rafael Royal, beverage director at The Greggory in South Barrington, Illinois, adds that 'the earthy, briny, rich flavor of an oyster is the perfect pairing for the clean, stark flavor of Champagne,' with yeasty, bread-like notes tying them together. How Do You Choose The Best Champagne And Oyster Pairing?
The versatility of Champagne allows for many oyster matches, and Staikos advises beginners to start simple: raw oysters with just a touch of lemon and a spritz of Brut Nature Champagne. He says this profile offers "the cleanest, most linear tasting experience, meaning the greater acidity in the Champagne complements the intensity of flavor of the oyster."
He says another classic oyster accoutrement is a splash of mignonette—made with minced shallots, vinegar and pepper—which can add savory complexity without overpowering the meat or the bubbly.
For his money, Royal suggests Cuttyhunk oysters from Massachusetts paired with Dhondt-Grellet Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs. He says this wine is 'briny and mineral-driven with high salinity' with 'tight, lively bubbles that cut through the umami of the oyster.'
Velisek reaches for Blanc de Blanc Champagne from Mesnil-sur-Oger, a slice of the region where chalk soils impart extraordinary salinity. He suggests Pertois-Moriset, a producer that employs long lees aging and occasional oak use—techniques he says mirror the richness of the finest oysters. Why Is Champagne Perfect For Raw Or Cooked Oysters?
Preparation should guide your Champagne choice. Staikos recommends lighter Blanc de Blancs for raw oysters, and richer styles for grilled or baked versions. For barbecued oysters with subtle smokiness and sweetness, he suggests 'a richer style of Champagne, such as a rosé made with Meunier, a barrel-fermented or barrel-aged Champagne, or one with extended lees aging.'
Part of the magic is versatility, according to experts. From Tuesday night treats to milestone celebrations, Champagne and oysters prove that perfection can be simple. The pairing offers multiple paths to luxury, each built on the same timeless principles: complementary minerality, contrasting textures, proper temperature and a willingness to experiment. What Are the Best Tips for Champagne and Oyster Pairings?
Keep it cold: Chill both Champagne and oysters for the crispest, cleanest flavors.
Experiment: Try different oyster varieties and Champagne styles to find new combinations.
Start simple: Begin with raw oysters, a squeeze of lemon and a crisp Blanc de Blancs, then branch out.
It's here that Staikos' earlier 'umami synergy' comes full circle: the Champagne's effervescence cleanses and primes your palate so each oyster feels like a heightened version of the last.
The flavors don't just reset, they build, until they reach what Velisek calls 'a road of luxury that I don't want to come back from.' 5 Best Champagnes To Pair With Oysters
Alongside the recommendations presented by Velisek and Staikos, here are five bottles of Champagne served at Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar in Providence, Rhode Island. Led by Chef Austin Hamilton, this New England restaurant celebrated 40 years in the summer of 2025 and has received Wine Spectator 's Award of Excellence annually since 2012. Laurent Perrier "La Cuvee"
This Champagne blends 50% Chardonnay with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Pale gold with fine bubbles, it delivers fresh citrus, white flowers, vine peach and white fruit aromas. The palate is balanced, fresh and delicate with subtle toasty notes. Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
This rosé Champagne offers persistent freshness with classic red berry aromas of raspberries and strawberries plus floral notes. The palate is fresh, lean and textured with tingly acidity. Guy Larmandier "Blanc de Blancs"
Made from Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in Cramant, this Champagne showcases purity and a clean mouthfeel. It delivers precise, refined character with citrus and white fruit aromas, creamy texture and a refreshing finish. Hugues Godme Rosé
This Grand Cru rosé from Montagne de Reims delivers fresh red fruit aromas, subtle minerality and elegant bubbles. The fresh, lively palate makes it versatile for any occasion. Savart & Dremont "Ephemere" Grand Cru
This Grand Cru Champagne showcases the freshness and complexity through fine bubbles and citrus-floral aromatics. The balanced, elegant palate emphasizes length and finesse. More From Forbes Forbes This French Wine Region's Pink Lakes Produce The World's Best Salt By Jill Barth Forbes Champagne Growers Help Cultivate The Grape Varieties Of The Future By Jill Barth Forbes 'The Lay Of The Land': Champagne Palmer's Sustainable New Facility By Jill Barth Forbes How To Translate Champagne Label Details By Jill Barth
