Sparkling Wine and cheese pairing is easier than you think. Are you hosting a sparkling wine and cheese party?  Or maybe you just want to enjoy some sparkling wine and good cheese and would like to find the perfect match! Well, look no further as we will explore the sparkling wines that complement the flavors in your cheese.

We promise you there is a wine out there for every cheese. It is a known factor that white wine tends to work better with cheese. This is because the high acidity of the wine breaks down the fat. 

Multiple studies have consistently shown that the strong flavor of cheese accentuates the dominant flavors in wine. There is also evidence that your wine palate becomes more sensitive when integrating cheese and wine, this helps you detect more distinct flavors in the wine. In order for you to experience the intense flavors, you need to pair the two right. We are here to guide you!

We also put a blog together on how to make the perfect cheese board.

Sparkling Wine

One of the greatest wines to enjoy with cheese would be sparkling wine. Sparkling wine is so great because its carbonation helps break down the thickness of butterfat that cheese has. This will leave a clean taste in the mouth leaving you craving more.

The acidity of the bubbly wine complements the cheese’s toasty and nutty flavors ranging from fresh to aged cheese. 

Sparkling wine is known to combine well with mild or spicy cheeses while it is also versatile enough to go with any cheese. 

Champagne / Rosé Champagne

Champagne is known for being medium-bodied and can range from dry to off-dry and sweet. 

Even though champagne is the most popular sparkling wine in the world. It is officially produced in France. Note, to be called Champagne, it must be from the Champagne region of France. Champagne has a wide assortment of fruity or floral scents and flavors. The popular ones are the ones with toasty citrus and apple flavors.

Sparkling Wine and cheese pairing

Try Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé here.

Use code (LGCPROMO) for 15% your first purchase of Sparkling Wine from us.

Dry:

• Brie
• Feta
• Swiss
• Brin D’Amour
• Monterey Jack
• Muenster

Off-Dry:

• Colby
• Havarti
• Gouda
• Gorgonzola
• Vermont Shepard
• Gruyère

Sweet:

• Blue Cheese
• Any rich cheese

Prosecco

Prosecco is originally from Italy and is a lightly fruity white sparkling wine. The flavors range in sweetness, but Proseccos are known for their light citrus and floral flavors with tight bubbles. 

It is known that Proseccos pair well with soft cheeses such as Fresh Mozzarella, Fontina, Ricotta, etc. Then there are cheeses soaked in the Prosecco wine itself like Ubriaco, this goes well with Prosecco wines as well. 

Prosecco is a fine wine that is suited to have at the beginning of the party.

A classic Prosecco pairing is with Parmesan and Asiago. The bubbles in the wine cut through the saltiness of those hard cheeses.

Prosecco Wine and cheese pairing

Dry:

• Brie
• Asiago
• Feta
• Parmesan/Parmigiano
• Most Fresh Chèvre (goat) cheeses
• Raclette

Off-Dry:

• Gouda
• Gorgonzola
• Havarti
• Colby
• Double Glouster
• Vermont Shepard

Sweet:

• blue cheeses
• any rich cheese

Sparkling White Wines

As you may have noticed, European countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Spain have already trademarked names for their sparkling wines:

France: Champagne, Cremant

Italy: Prosecco

Spain: Cava

Germany: Sekt.

Most of the world’s wines do not trademark their names. These wines are just called “sparkling” and are made in locations such as Australia, Argentina, California, New York, etc. 

Sparkling white wines are sometimes made in the “traditional” Champagne method, but they are also made through multiple different techniques such as the “Charmat” or “tank” method. Some winemakers just simply add carbon dioxide with machine carbonation. It is well known that the longer the wine is left on its dead yeast cells, The more toasty and bready the flavors become and the bubbles appear finer. 

Sparkling White Wines and Cheese Pairing

Try Le Grand Courtage Blanc de Blanc Brut here.

Dry:

• Feta
• Brie
• Swiss
• Muenster
• Vacherin
• Raclette

Off-Dry:

• Gouda
• Brick
• Colby
• Fontina
• Harvati
• Gorgonzola

Sweet:

• Blue cheese
• any rich cheeses

 

Women’s Cocktail Collective & Female Founded Wine & Spirits Brands. As a founding member of the Women’s Cocktail Collective, we are aligned with the mission of diversifying the back bar with female-owned wine and spirits brands. Le Grand Courtâge CEO/Proprietor Tawnya Falkner grew up in a 3-street town, and that upbringing awoke a desire to see the world. The more she traveled, the more she realized that food and wine are about human connection and bringing people together to share life’s simple pleasures. Fueled by a passion and a belief, Tawnya gave up her career, took the leap, and moved to France. Her vision to create an affordable everyday luxury resulted in Le Grand Courtâge and Très Chic, award-winning French wines with appealing, modern character and an elegant appearance.

Want to join us in our mission? Request a female-founded cocktail at your local bar or mix one up at home!

Recipes for 100% women Founded Wine & Spirits Brands are below:

BERGAMOT SPRITZ

1 oz Pür•Spirits Aperitivo Zamaro

1 oz Square One Bergamot Vodka

Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rose

Juice of half a lemon

Directions: Add pür•spirits aperitivo zamaro, the bergamot vodka, and lemon juice to a champagne glass and top with Le Grand Courtage.

PISCO SPARKLER

1 oz Macchu Pisco

1 oz Pür•Likör Blood Orange Liqueur

Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé

Juice of half a lime

Directions: Add liqueur, pisco, and lime juice to a champagne glass and top with the sparkling wine.

POMP 75

2 oz Pomp & Whimsy

2 oz Le Grand Courtâge Blanc de Blancs Brut, chilled

Directions: Pour P&W over ice in a cocktail shaker and swirl until well chilled.  Strain into a coupe and top with brut.  Garnish with a fanciful twist of citrus.

LE GRAND CORSAGE

Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé

1 oz Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Lemon

Lychee cordial⠀

Directions: Combine gin, juice of lemon, and lychee cordial over ice. Top with brut rosé.

FEMME FATALE

1 oz Square One Organic Vodka

Mango Papaya Shrub (for garnish)

Juice of 1 Lemon

½ oz Simple Syrup

Le Grand Courtâge Blanc de Blancs Brut

Directions: Combine all ingredients, top with brut.

For more female-founded inspiration & more on the French lifestyle of joie de vivre, follow us on Pinterest for curated ways to elevate every day with wine cocktails, foolproof food pairings, entertaining tips, curated gift guides, playlists, and more! Stay in touch! We serve up weekly inspiration on Instagram and our newsletter, Club Courtâge. You’re invited to embrace the #livejoyoulsy lifestyle with us!

Use code (LGCPROMO) for 15% your first purchase of Sparkling Wine from us.

See what other recipes we have in our free downloadable booklet here.

The dinner party is making a comeback – and we couldn’t be more excited to bring back this tradition – and the art of the apéritif!

What is an apéritif?  To us, it’s truly an art form – and an inspiring way to elevate the everyday! A French tradition, an apéritif is an alcoholic drink before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

The word aperitif (Or as the Italians call it, apertivo!) comes from a Latin root, meaning “to open,” which is exactly the purpose of the drink: to prepare the stomach for the meal and to open up the palate for tastes to be enjoyed during dinner. When you greet your dinner guests with an aperitif, you’re doing much more than simply welcoming them to your home with a cocktail, you’re getting them ready to savor every morsel you serve.

An aperitif is similar to amuse-bouche in terms of food. What seems like a generous offering, in fact, serves the additional (mildly selfish) purpose of making the food you’ve prepared even more appealing! Since they’re meant to open up the palate rather than overwhelm it, aperitifs are light and crisp, and not super high on the alcohol content.

They are commonly dry libations, which is why a favorite choice for an apéritif is sparkling wine and sparkling wine cocktails!   Usually served with appetizers or “amuse-bouche, such as crackers, cheese, bread,  pâté, or olives.”

Sparkling Wine Aperitifs: Elevate Your Pre-Dinner Experience

Sparkling wine aperitifs have long been cherished as the perfect prelude to a delightful meal, offering a tantalizing blend of effervescence, flavor, and sophistication. Whether you’re hosting a soirée or simply unwinding after a long day, these bubbly concoctions add a touch of elegance to any occasion. In this article, we’ll explore the allure of sparkling wine aperitifs, their versatility, and how to craft the perfect pre-dinner libation.

The Appeal of Sparkling Wine Aperitifs:

Aperitifs have evolved into a beloved ritual in cultures around the world. Sparkling wine aperitifs, in particular, hold a special place due to their refreshing nature and celebratory aura. The crisp bubbles dance on the palate, awakening the senses and preparing them for the culinary journey ahead.

Versatility in Flavor Profiles:

One of the most captivating aspects of sparkling wine aperitifs is their versatility in flavor profiles. From dry and zesty Brut varieties to semi-sweet and fruity options, there’s a sparkling wine to suit every taste preference. Whether you prefer the citrusy notes of a Prosecco, the toasty richness of a Champagne, the floral aromas of a Moscato d’Asti,  the balanced Blanc de Blancs Brut, or the slightly sweeter, pinker, trendy Brut Rosé, the world of sparkling wine offers endless possibilities for crafting unique and flavorful aperitifs.

Crafting the Perfect Sparkling Wine Aperitif:

Creating a memorable sparkling wine aperitif is an art form that requires a delicate balance of ingredients and flavors. Here are some tips for crafting the perfect pre-dinner libation:

• Selecting the Right Sparkling Wine: Choose a sparkling wine that complements your desired flavor profile. No need to splurge on champagne proper, choose a more affordable sparkling wine. For a crisp and dry aperitif, opt for a Brut or a dry Prosecco. For a sweeter option, consider a demi-sec sparkling wine or a Moscato. More on the difference between champagne and sparkling wine here.
• Adding Enhancements: Elevate your aperitif by incorporating complementary ingredients such as fresh fruits, herbs, or liqueurs. Citrus slices, berries, and herbs like mint or basil add a burst of freshness, while a splash of elderflower liqueur or Aperol lends depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Experimenting with Bubbles: Get creative with your sparkling wine selection to add depth and dimension to your aperitif. Try using sparkling rosé for a blush-hued libation or experiment with sparkling red wines for a bold and unexpected twist.
• Serving with Style: Presentation is key when it comes to sparkling wine aperitifs. Serve your creations in elegant stemware or coupes to showcase the effervescence and visual appeal of the drink. Garnish with a complementary fruit or herb for a finishing touch that delights the senses. More cocktail garnish ideas here!

Two Classic Aperitifs | Sparkling Cocktails To Serve At A Dinner Party

The Kir Royale & The Aperol Spritz

“Kir and Kir Royale are two classic, classy cocktails. Cassis is a black currant liqueur, which adds a combination of dark and bright fruits notes that act as an ideal foil to the wine. I prefer the Kir Royale. Bubbles are fun, and they give the heavier notes in the cassis some levity.” —Tom Macy

Want something innovative? We’ve curated some spritzer cocktail recipes here.

Common at restaurants and dinner parties, It’s not necessarily about the drink itself. It’s about the experience of dining, gathering, connecting.. Taking time to enjoy the meal and the company.

In summary, sparkling wine aperitifs offer a delightful way to elevate your pre-dinner experience and set the stage for a memorable meal. With their versatile flavor profiles and endless possibilities for customization, these effervescent libations are sure to impress even the most discerning palate. So why wait? Embrace the art of aperitif crafting and raise a glass to the joy of sparkling wine. Cheers!

One could actually say the apéritif is the perfect illustration of the drive behind our wines.

Le Grand Courtâge or “The Great Courtship”  is all about bringing people to share food, wine and laughter. We aim to be the best 15 minutes of someone’s day; inspiring them to celebrate life and cultivate joy in simple ways… because it’s the everyday moments in life that really matter.

It’s about elevating the everyday and adopting a joyful state of mind in everything you do. The mission was to create something which is approachable, affordable, and versatile. So that no matter the occasion, big or small, you can enjoy a 90+ point quality wine from an elegant bottle on any budget.

From a simple weeknight apéritif at home, or a celebratory toast at The Four Seasons, relish in the French spirit of  joie de vivre  in every sip!

Common Misconceptions About Rosé

and why they are wrong.

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Let’s start with the most common misconception about rosé of all..

Rosé is a summer only/seasonal drink

• • It’s one of the hallmarks of summer, serving as the perfect transition wine away from winter reds and into the lighter whites that pair so perfectly with warm summer nights.
  • The French even have an expression for it – “rosé tout l’année” or in English, “rosé all year.” In France rosé sales outstrip those of white wines, making it a dominant staple in the country’s culture and cuisine.
  • While there’s nothing more refreshing then a glass of rosé on a hot summer day, there’s a reason taglines and hashtags like “rosé all day” and “yes way rosé” are trending. Rosé is enjoyed year-round!
  • 75% of consumers believe rose is year-around but the trade often refers to it as a summer beverage. Rosé wines between $10-$20 are doubling their already impressive growth from last year.
  • Rosé leading all wine categories at +59% growth – Nielson 2017
  • French Rosé dominates category – Nielson 2017
    • 51% French
    • 37% Domestic
    • 5% Italian

Rosé is feminine or for women only

• • Ever heard of brosé? Men are enjoying rosé just as much as the ladies! Just because it’s pink, doesn’t make it any less manly to enjoy.
    • The pink hue of rosé comes from the grapes and the length of contact between the juice and the skin of red grapes during the winemaking process. The longer the grapes’ skin is left sitting in the wine, the darker the color on the finished rosé.

Rosé is sweet

• • Rosé is versatile. Some are fruit-forward, some are floral, while others may be dry or tart; just like our Très Chic Rosé.
    • Many people think of the mass produced and super sweet white zinfandel. Sugar prevents the wine from shining. When there’s too much sugar, it masks the aromas and flavors of the wine—whether fruity, mineral, etc—which is the good stuff! We aimed to create a wine that is fresh and balanced allowing flavors and aromas like red currants and thyme come through!

People are looking for less of the familiar blush rosés which range from medium to sweet and instead are in search of rosés with more structure and complexity

• • Our new Très Chic rosé provides exuberant flavors of berries, citrus, tropical fruit with a hint of herbs and rose petal. It’s delicate with a balanced acidity.

• Unsure what to order? Dry = not sweet. And that’s what you want: a wine that’s fresh and acidic, without extra sugar to bury its mineral/fruity/whatever flavors and aromas. Remember, it was super-sweet white zinfandel and its mass-produced brethren that gave rosé a bad name to begin with.

Use code (LGCPROMO) for 15% your first purchase of Rosé Wine from us.

Wine gifting ideas for the wine lover in your life.

Wine gifting ideas! Share some sparkle this year! Gift giving should be fun, easy, and thoughtful and you can not go wrong with gifting award-winning, elegant yet affordable French wines. Each scoring 90+ points, our blanc de blancs brut, brut rosé, and Très Chic rosé make beautiful, elevated gifts that everyone appreciates. 

From wine gifting ideas, birthday gifts to hostess gifts, and client appreciation to festive holiday gifts, we’ve outlined our favorite sparkling gift ideas altogether for simple and elegant gifting.

 

 

Are you in a season of party and event planning? Need to know how much wine to order for a wedding? If you are trying to calculate how much alcohol to order for an event, we have some simple tools to help.

There’s always something to celebrate! From small intimate dinner parties to retirement parties, college graduations, engagements, baby and bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, launch parties, & our personal favorites: weddings, bachelorette parties, & bridal showers.  We aim to offer Effortless Entertaining and/or Planning Tips and even a Drink Calculator for events!

No need to get overwhelmed! We’ve got you covered with a party drinks calculator to make your event effortless AND elevated!

The Great Courtship

The name of our French sparkling wines translates to “The Great Courtship”, making them a best wedding wine choice & perfect meaningful detail for celebrations of love and friendship! Available in classic Blanc de Blancs brut and brut rosé, at weddings and celebrations of all kinds. Nothing gets the party started like the POP of the cork! (Or as we call it, The Universal Sound of Happy!).  Provence-style Très Chic Rosé is also a romantic yet practical option for weddings and events. As it is  “in-between” red and white wines. Food friendly and versatile, it’s light enough for the white wine drinker and has a softer profile. For the red wine drinker, it has more structure than white. And the beautiful rose hues really elevate a show-stopping tablescape!

How To Calculate How Much Alcohol Or Wine You Need For Your Event Using The Party Drink Calculator.

Wine Party Calculator FAQs:

How many bottles of wine for a wedding? How much alcohol is in wine? How much wine to order for 100 guests? Here is an easy drink size calculator to use as a beverage calculator for events. In an average event setting, you can expect each guest will drink one alcoholic beverage per hour. Likely drinking more during cocktail hour, and less during the meal. Plus, a classic champagne toast (mainly for weddings). One drink per hour is a realistic benchmark to begin planning. Below is an easy wine calculator formula.

Use this standard drink calculator for a party as an example: For an event with 50 adults over 21 for four hours you’ll need 150-200 beverages depending upon time of day and how much of a drinking crowd there is.

Using this wedding alcohol calculator or any ‘ole event calculator, you can estimate how much alcohol to order for a wedding, party, or other event with this  Evite Drink Calculator.  This does NOT include the bubbly needed for the champagne Toast.  See the chart below for that.

As a general rule, 20 bottles of wine and sparkling wine/champagne = 100 servings (we recommend 75% wine and 25% sparkling for the event.

How Many Cases Of Champagne Will I Need For Toast?   

When party planning, the menu is the first priority, and then the adult beverages served are a close second priority. Time of year your event is planned, time of the event, the menu being served, cashless or cash bar. Whether just beer and wine are served or if cocktails are offered, whether specialty cocktails are offered, and lastly, the preference of drinks & alcohol tolerance of the guest list all factor into the estimating process.

When trying to answer some of the most common Wedding Alcohol Questions, we also liked this article from Brides magazine: How Much Alcohol Do You Need for Your Wedding?

Courtâge Tip: Join our affordable wine club and save 20% on all your wedding wine! Read more here!

Additional Ideas for how to incorporate timeless, elegant yet modern, and romantic wines as an elevated detail for your event.

Below are several ideas on how to incorporate sparkling wine into your wedding or party. As well as some tips on determining wine party calculations and how much wine you need for your event. Hosting a party or planning a wedding can be stressful.  Making sure you have enough wine on hand for guests shouldn’t be!

Signature Cocktails For Weddings

Thematic concepts and matching colors are all the rage visually, but the ‘mixers’ are often less expensive too, so creating spritzers and fun cocktails might be a great way to balance your costs as well.

Party Favors & 187ml

187ml bottles mini bottles of sparkling wine as reception favors can also double as the reception escort cards! Simply add a name/place card to hang from the bottle so guests can navigate their reception seating arrangements. This creates a statement when guests arrive at a table filled with mini champagne bottles.

Or, personalize each bottle with your name and that of your partner, as well as the date of your wedding for a memorable wedding favor that will make everyone “Cheer”! One of our favorite ways to present these to wedding guests is having their names written on the bottle with beautiful calligraphy. What an elevated favor!

Thinking of serving a signature sparkling cocktail during cocktail hour or at your reception? We have several cocktail recipe booklets to browse for inspiration here.

We hope this wedding wine calculator was helpful in making your celebration preparation easy and fun! More ideas for incorporating wines in bridal, wedding, and party events can be found in our Bridal Look Book – available for free instant download!

Cheers and bonne fête at your next event!

French sparkling wine, what is it?  How does it taste? We’re giving you the quickest wine lesson by covering the basics with simplification. Because all you need are three fun facts to be the wine connoisseur of the friend group.

Sparkling wine is a carbonated, fizzy wine that we can make from red or white grapes. Carbonation is a natural occurrence and the result that comes from the second fermentation process.  To get an idea of how French sparkling wine is made, we’ll walk you through our production method to how our French sparkling wine at Le Grand Courtage is made, and the winemaking notes produced from that.

For our French sparkling wine production, we wanted something crisp, light, and refreshing with a perfect balance of dryness and acidity to offset the yeast and classic attributes of French champagne. Our goal was something approachable, affordable, and versatile.  

HARVEST – We then strategically pick our grapes earlier in the season to yield higher acid and lower sugar, which provide more fruit components.

PRODUCTION

Primary Fermentation

• We take the initial base wines and the clear juices to ferment in steel tanks separately.
•  We blend the base wines for the ‘assemblage” to produce the final “Cuvee”
• We then assemble the cuvée using wines from various vineyards.
• The wine must be contained at a constant 51 degrees to slow fermentation and produce a clean, crisp finish.

Secondary Fermentation

• The blended base wine has yeast and a small amount of sugar, called the liqueur de tirage.
• Yeast converts the added sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2) bubbles.
• The amount of added sugar determines the pressure – ours is 5-6 atmosphere.  (equals 4 car tires or 100 mi/hr).

Bottling

• Dosage added before the cork, the liquid level is topped up with liqueur d’expédition – a mixture of the base wine and sucrose.
• The amount of sugar in the liqueur d’expédition determines the sweetness, the sugar previously in the wine having been consumed in the second fermentation.
• Generally, we add sugar to balance the high acidity of sparkling, rather than to produce a sweet taste. 

THE BLENDS

Blanc de Blancs Brut

Chardonnay imparts depth and complexity for the overall balance while Colombard’s higher acidity provides structure, length and a pleasant minerality that is supplemented by the Ugni Blanc’s fruit profile. The Chenin Blanc lends citrus and hints of honey for a creamy texture.

FLAVOR PROFILE – Crisp, light, refreshing with baby bubbles & a hint of Meyer lemon, honeydew & soft floral notes on the finish to balance the dryness, yeast, and acidity. This affordable sparkler is cuisine, cocktail, and consumer-friendly.

AROMAS – Hints of green apple, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche.

TECHNICAL NOTES – Alcohol: 11.5%; Residual Sugar: 10 g/liter; Ferment: Steel Tank at 51° F; pH: 3.3Acidity: 4 g/100mL

APPELLATION – France: Le Grand Courtâge offers a Vin Mousseux sourced from notable terroirs such as Burgundy, Languedoc and Loire Valley. Produced in Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Brut Rosé

Chardonnay provides depth and structure to the wine, while the Ugni Blanc offers natural acidity and freshness. The light bodied Gamay provides vibrant youthful fruit expressions reminiscent of wild berries and flowers amongst the French countryside on a warm summer day.

FLAVOR PROFILE – A delicate balance of dryness and acidity lingers with flavors of wild berries and pomegranate alongside soft floral notes. Crisp, light, refreshing with delicate bubbles.

AROMAS – Bright aromas of fresh strawberry and raspberry combine with notes of lilac and violet.

TECHNICAL NOTES – Alcohol: 11.5%; Residual Sugar: 12 g/liter; Ferment: Steel Tank at 51° F; pH: 3.25Acidity: 3.7 g/100mL

APPELLATION – France: Le Grand Courtâge offers a Vin Mousseux sourced from notable terroirs such as Burgundy, Languedoc and Beaujolais. Produced in Nuits-Saint-Georges.

We created a Vin Mousseux as we believe this allows for more consistency in the style that is cuisine, cocktail, and consumer-friendly and offers an affordable price for French bubbles. LGC is not as light & sweet as prosecco nor as dry & yeasty as champagne – ultimately, we believe our wine style is very quaffable and consumer-friendly.

Use code (LGCPROMO) for 15% your first purchase of Sparkling Wine from us.

Le Grand Courtâge translates to “The Great Courtship”, making them the perfect meaningful detail for celebrations of love and friendship! Both award-winning sparkling varieties plus our Provence style rosé (Très Chic),  score  90+ points and are affordably priced under $25, so you can serve or gift-quality wines to elevate life’s moments and add a touch of elegance on any budget. Check out our entertain page for more DIY entertaining ideas.

There’s just something about the French language that adds romance and elegance when we encounter it in the wild. It suggests sophistication, inspires style, and reminds us of the French spirit of joie de vivre (joy of life). 

Here are ten of our favorite French vocabulary words to incorporate into your repertoire for elevating the everyday!

Use code (LGCPROMO) for 15% your first purchase of Wine from us.

Soirée

Instead of using the terms dinner party or girl’s night, why not use the French soirée, meaning an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music. Don’t forget to serve fabulous cocktails and food pairings! ;).  Or learn how to create the perfect DIY mimosa bar for your soirée here.

Oh La La

Okay, this is more of an expression than a vocabulary word, but one of our favorites nonetheless because of its versatility and ways to interject in the same way that you may use OMG!

Chic

When giving a compliment to a friend or family member’s outfit or new hairstyle, replace “cute” or “great”  with chic, meaning elegant and stylishly fashionable. Especially if the look is on-trend or a timeless classic! This inspired our Très Chic Rosé, built on the fashionable, Southern France lifestyle.

En Route

Running behind? Arrive truly fashionably late by using the French ‘en route’  instead of  “on my way!” 

Salut!

Pronounced “Sa-loo” swap out the tired “cheers” and opt for Salut! , defined as a French expression used to express friendly feelings toward one’s companions before drinking. Toast with a fun, sparkling cocktail by browsing our curated cocktail booklets, with dozens of recipes hand-picked by our team!

Avant-Garde

Used to describe new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them, celebrate bold, off-the-beaten-path ideas by rebranding and referring to them as avant-garde.

Cherie

French for dear or sweetheart: used in referring to or addressing a woman or girl. Mon Cherie can be used as a term of endearment for friends, family, or lovers.

Apéritif

A French tradition of an alcoholic drink taken before a meal stimulates the appetite. Since they’re meant to open up the palate rather than overwhelm it, aperitifs are light and crisp, like sparkling wine. Read more about the art of the apéritif here.

Connoisseur

Translating to mean an expert judge in matters of taste, traditionally in the fine arts or cuisine. In modern times, we are free to compliment friends on their expertise of any kind by referring to them as a connoisseur.

Bisous

French for kisses, this salutation is widely used as a parting line at the end of a letter or phone call. Consider pausing the “XO” or  “Love” at the end of your notes and replace with bisous. This makes for a great conversation piece for your next encounter!

For more inspiration on the French lifestyle of joie de vivre, follow us on Pinterest for curated ways to elevate every day with wine cocktails, top food pairings, entertaining tips, a curated gift guide, and more!

 

 

Pamper yourself and elevate self care with these luxurious DIY spa treatments you can make at home – using leftover rosé wine!

Whether you’re winding down, celebrating a bachelorette party,  or hosting a girl’s night in you can rosé the night away or throw an elegant rosé spa soirée with ingredients you probably already have at home.

Rosé Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup Très Chic Rosé
• 1 Tbsp agave or honey

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients. Add more sugar if needed for a thicker consistency. Can be stored in an airtight container for no more than a week. To Use: apply to dry skin, this will ensure the product does not rinse off right away and rub with a hand. Rinse with warm water, and apply moisturizer after. Your skin will feel silky smooth.

Rosé Foot Soak

Ingredients:

• Warm Water
• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1 cup Très Chic Rosé
• Rose petals (optional)

Preparation:

Take a small bucket filled with warm water and soak your feet in it. Ensure that your feet are soaked in water to your ankles. Add Epsom salts and rosé to the warm water. Try and relax and let your feet muscles relax too. To Use: Submerge feet and let soak for at least 20 minutes. Once finished, dry and moisturize.

Rosé Facial Mask

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp Très Chic Rosé
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt

Preparation:

Clean your skin thoroughly with a mild face wash twice. Mix all facial ingredients together until smooth. To Use: Apply the mixture to the face and leave for 10 minutes. To remove, splash warm water on your face and use circular hand movement until your face is clear. For the best results, repeat the wine facial once per week.

Luxurious Rosé Bath

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Très Chic Rosé
• 1 cup honey
• Warm bath water
• Rose petals (optional)

Preparation:

Fill the bathtub with warm water. Pour rosé wine and honey into warm bath water. To Use: Soak for at least 20 minutes. Rinse, and pat dry.

Our Très Chic Rosé scores 90+ points – so you can be sure you’re serving up quality at your spa night for mixing or sipping! Luxury meets affordability with this inclusive vegan-friendly, gluten-free,  low calorie, low carb, and cuisine and cocktail-friendly wine, so every adult can enjoy and all you have to do is simply chill & enjoy.

Rosé is the all-star pairing wine – making food pairings pretty much foolproof. They are especially great for hostesses everywhere because of their versatile pairing ability. Truly amazing breakfast through dessert. Perfect as a hostess gift, party favors, and ideal for bubbly cocktail mixing. Rosé is great as well as it’s “in-between” red and white. Food friendly and versatile, it’s light enough for the white wine drinker and has a softer profile. For the red wine drinker, it has more structure than white. And pink wine is just so beautiful on a tablescape, oui?

Rosé and Rosé sparkling wine also make for fabulous and flirty wine cocktails! Browse our favorite rosé and sparkling free cocktail recipe e-books here to mix up something FUN!

We believe in embracing the French spirit of joie de vivre, or “joy of life”, where elevating and celebrating the everyday moments is our way of romanticizing the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

Won’t you join us in our mission to #livejoyously? 

 

Favorite Female-Founded Brands. We are all about elevating and celebrating every day & love supporting fellow female-founded businesses.

Make your next ladies’ night, girl’s night in, bachelorette party, or girl’s getaway all about a girl-power and showcase female empowerment by incorporating some of our favorite female and minority-owned businesses at the soirée.

The Wines

Le Grand Courtâge CEO/Proprietor Tawnya Falkner grew up in a 3-street town, and that upbringing awoke a desire to see the world. The more she traveled, the more she realized that food and wine are about human connection and bringing people together to share life’s simple pleasures. Fueled by a passion and a belief, Tawnya gave up her career, took the leap, and moved to France. Her vision to create an affordable everyday luxury resulted in Le Grand Courtâge and Très Chic Rosé, award-winning French wines with appealing, modern character and an elegant appearance.

Regardless of the time of year, the French have an expression that translates to “rosé all year” or “rosé tout l’année”.  The reality is that rosé is a great in-between wine and goes great with a variety of flavors, as rosé has enough structure and body to stand up to heavier dishes without overwhelming more delicate ones.   

Further, both bubbly (sparkling wine, champagne, etc) and rosé are extremely versatile wines from breakfast to dessert and offer a great min-range palate that is cuisine and cocktail friendly.

*Sparkling varieties available in 750ml & 187ml bottles

• Blanc de Blancs Brut
• Brut Rosé
• Très Chic Rose

The Menu Planning & Food Pairing

Sparkling wines and rosé make for practically foolproof food pairings! So, bring out a few of your favorite things and create an engaging snack board with something for everyone. We love adding in Fusion Jerky & Dutch Gold Honey for some female-founded flare.

With wines complementary alongside your favorite charcuterie board must-haves – shop with intention and seek out some of our favorite women-owned cheese vendors! View our cheese pairing guide here for seamless, elevated entertaining.

• Vermont Creamery
• Cowgirl Creamery
• Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
• Capriole Goat Cheese
• Laura Chanel

Pairing options are truly endless so no matter your venue, style, or budget, the menu knows no bounds! Here are a few more favorites.   The truth is anything rich, savory, or spicy pairs fabulously.

• Popcorn: EATABLE, a gourmet popcorn brand with Happy-Hour-inspired flavors
• Chocolate: JCOCO Chocolate
• Candy: Maggie Louise Confections
• Gluten-Free & Vegan Chips: Siete Foods

The Party Essentials

It’s all in the details, darling! Elevate the celebration with our favorite femmes of the party!

• Female-founded glassware by Juliska or minority-owned Estelle Colored Glasses is sure to elevate the vibe for an occasion. 
• Gorgeous arrangements by Farmgirl Flowers are simply stunning in any setting
• Entertaining guru Katie Jacobs’ book So Much To Celebrate has so much elevated inspiration! Featured in Southern Living & Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James, her ideas are sure to impress!

The Cocktails

Sparkling Cocktail recipes that celebrate sisterhood! As a founding member of the Women’s Cocktail Collective, we are aligned with the mission of diversifying the back bar with female-owned wine and spirits brands. Want to join us in our mission? Request a female-founded cocktail at your local bar or mix one up at home! Recipes for 100% women Founded Wine & Spirits Brands are below:

BERGAMOT SPRITZ

1 oz Pür Spirits Aperitivo Zamaro

1 oz Square One Bergamot Vodka

Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé

Juice of half a lemon

Directions: Add pür spirits aperitivo zamaro, the bergamot vodka, and lemon juice to a champagne glass and top with Le Grand Courtage.

PISCO SPARKLER 

1 oz Macchu Pisco

1 oz Pür Likör Blood Orange Liqueur

Le Grand Courtâge Brut Rosé

Juice of half a lime

Directions: Add liqueur, pisco, and lime juice to a champagne glass and top it with sparkling wine.

POMP 75

2 oz Pomp & Whimsy

2 oz Le Grand Courtâge Blanc de Blancs Brut, chilled

Directions: Pour P&W over ice in a cocktail shaker and swirl until well chilled.  Strain into a coupe and top with brut.  Garnish with a fanciful twist of citrus.

FEMME FATALE

1 oz Square One Organic Vodka

Mango Papaya Shrub (for garnish)

Juice of 1 Lemon

½ oz Simple Syrup

Le Grand Courtâge Blanc de Blancs Brut

Directions. Combine all ingredients, and top with brut.

For more party planning inspiration including playlists, more delicious cocktail recipes, & entertaining tips, join us here.

For female-founded inspiration & more on the French lifestyle of joie de vivre, follow us on Pinterest for curated ways to elevate the every day with wine cocktails, foolproof food pairings, curated gift guides, and more! 

We serve up weekly inspiration on Instagram and our newsletter, Club Courtâge. 

You’re invited to embrace the #livejoyoulsy lifestyle with us!