Elevated date night, put a little JOY in your next date night. Whether going out or staying in, elevate your date by making simple upgrades to make the most of your quality time together. Le Grand Courtâge, Meaning “The Great Courtship”  our mission 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.

For more elevated date night in ideas, head here to our full blog post here.

Fun ideas for a champagne** &/or sparkling wine themed date night

Planning a special date night with Sparkling Wine or Champagne can be romantic and memorable. Here are some ideas to make it wonderful:

Below are several ideas for using bubbly for making an elevated and effervescent date night. ‘Champagne’ as used below is a general and ubiquitous term that we are using as a general term for all forms of bubbles (prosecco, cava, champagne, etc). **Le Grand Courtage is not ‘champagne’, legally or by definition, but rather French Sparkling Wine and any use of the word is generic and is simply implying a generic concept or state of mind.

• Champagne Tasting: Explore different types of Champagne or sparkling wines together. Pick a variety of wines (and even price points). Try our French Sparkling Wine in either Brut, Rosé, or Blanc de Blancs (ours each score 90+ points & named Wine Enthusiast BEST BUYS!) . Create a mini-tasting with small pours to compare flavors and notes.
• DIY Champagne Cocktails: Experiment with creating your own Champagne cocktails. Try mixing Champagne with different fruit juices, liqueurs, or garnishes. Classic options like mimosas or French 75s are a great start.
• Sunset Picnic: Head to the backyard or porch with a picnic basket filled with Champagne, cheeses, fruits, and some pastries. Enjoy the view and each other’s company as the sun sets.
• Candlelit Dinner: Prepare a romantic dinner together or order in from your favorite restaurant. Pair the meal with Champagne to add a touch of elegance. Consider dishes like seafood, poultry, or pasta that complement the wine.
• Champagne and Chocolate Pairing: Purchase a selection of high-quality chocolates with various percentages of cocoa and pair them with Champagne. Dark chocolate tends to pair wonderfully with the effervescence of Champagne.
• Bubble Bath and Champagne: Set up a relaxing bubble bath with candles and soft music. Enjoy a glass of Champagne together while you unwind and spend quality time.
• Stargazing with Bubbly: Find a cozy spot, perhaps in your backyard or at a nearby observatory, and bring along a bottle of Champagne. Toast to each other under the stars and enjoy the serenity of the night sky.
• Champagne Dessert: Create a dessert that incorporates sparkling wine, such as Champagne cupcakes, berries soaked in Champagne, or a Champagne-infused sorbet.

Remember, the essence of a great date night is the connection and shared experience. Whether it’s a lavish dinner or a simple evening under the stars, the goal is to enjoy each other’s company and create beautiful memories. Cheers to a fantastic date night!

ROMANTIC CHARCUTERIE & WINE PAIRING

Champagne and sparkling wine are really one of the most versatile wines for food as it contains high levels of acidity and a small amount of sugar. The two extremes complement elements in almost any food, from tame poached salmon to red-hot Thai food. Often referred to as the scrubbing bubbles for your palate as it cleanses the tongue and balance

Spritzy bubbles refresh the palate that acts as a cleanser (aka the scrubbing bubbles for the palate), getting you ready for the next burst of flavor. Bubbles work particularly well with fried and spicy foods, helping to cut through the fat and tame heat.

Champagne or sparkling wine has racy acidity, and that trait is very food friendly as it is balanced by fat, salt, and sweet flavors. The acid in bubbly balances out salty foods well, making it a classic pairing for oysters and any sort of snacky foods like salted nuts, french fries, and popcorn.

We suggest considering some decadent items on your Champagne Charcuterie Board and make sure it is laden with some exceptional items, from the chicken and veal pâté, prosciutto di Parma to the creamy goat cheese the warm chestnut infused honey – or savory cheese fondue for some real French-flare.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A CHAMPAGNE CHARCUTERIE GRAZING BOARD

Here are some ideas:

• Cheeses: Select a variety of cheeses such as brie, camembert, aged cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie complement the effervescence of Champagne.
• Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and thinly sliced Serrano ham are excellent choices. The saltiness of these meats contrasts nicely with the wine’s acidity.
• Fruits: Fresh and dried fruits add a sweet and tangy element. Consider grapes, figs, strawberries, and slices of apple or pear. Dried apricots and dates work wonderfully too.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements both the wine and the meats.
• Olives: Green and black olives offer a savory and briny addition. Choose a variety like Kalamata or Castelvetrano for diverse flavors.
• Honey and Jams: Drizzle honey over the cheese or use fruit jams like fig or raspberry to add a touch of sweetness.
• Bread and Crackers: Include a selection of artisanal bread, breadsticks, and crackers. Whole-grain options, baguette slices, and crackers with seeds or herbs can enhance the overall experience.
• Pickles and Preserves: Cornichons, pickled onions, or pickled vegetables like carrots and cauliflower add a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese and meats.
• Pâté or Terrine: Consider adding a smooth and flavorful pâté or terrine to the board for a luxurious touch. Chicken liver pâté or a rustic terrine can be delightful options.
• Chocolate: Finish off with some high-quality dark chocolate. Its richness pairs surprisingly well with Champagne, especially if it has berry or citrus notes.

Remember to arrange these items aesthetically on a wooden board or slate to create an inviting and visually appealing spread. The combination of savory, sweet, and salty flavors will complement the Champagne or sparkling wine beautifully, creating a memorable date night experience.

Head here for our full blog post on our top pairings for sparkling wines.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT SORT OF SPARKLING WINE OR CHAMPAGNE TO SERVE?

Like any wine, Champagnes range from sweet to dry. Here are the labels to look for:

• Demi-sec – The sweetest of Champagnes, but not as sweet as a dessert wine. It means “half sweet.”
• Dry – A shade drier than demi-sec.
• Extra dry – One-step drier.
• Brut – The driest form, and the most typical/popular.

Some styles

• Blanc de Blancs is made only with white grapes. It generally goes well with lighter foods, such as seafood and vegetables. Also good as a pre-dinner aperitif.
• Blanc de Noirs, made solely from red Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, with a deeper golden color than the Blanc de Blancs. It makes a great pairing with full-flavored or rich foods.
• Rosé. The color comes from the addition of Pinot Noir wine at the second fermentation, the point at which still wine becomes Champagne. This type is one of the best to have with dinner, according to Ed McCarthy, author of Champagne for Dummies.

Add a little luxury to your next occasion and always embody that champagne state of mind!

Learn more entertaining hacks here!