View all newsletters
Latest in Luxury - Sign up to our weekly newsletter
  1. Food & Drink
  2. Wine & Spirits
February 14, 2018

Frédéric Panaiotis of Ruinart on Valentine’s Day Champagne

By Olivia Cuccaro

Frédéric Panaiotis Ruinart champagne - Valentine's DayThe day of love is upon us and we think that calls for a champagne toast. Crafted through a production process where time and attention are so crucial, it’s no wonder that champagne has an emotional side that suits intimate Valentine’s Day festivities. Over centuries, the French sparkling wine has been tied to romantic occasions, with the bubbly beverage perfectly complementing decadent dinners and indulgent desserts.

For expert insight into the link between champagne and Valentine’s Day, Elite Traveler spoke with Frédéric Panaiotis, chef de caves for Ruinart Champagne.

Why is champagne associated with celebration?

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs champagne - Valentine's Day

The connection between champagne and celebration can be dated back to its association with the crowning of French kings in Reims where champagne was served as a part of the festivities. Champagne is a sensory experience that heightens the moment. With Ruinart’s unique aromatic richness, persistent lightness of fine bubbles and sweet and tonic flavors, today, just like the era of Kings, we continue to celebrate special moments by raising a glass.

What Valentine’s Day dishes pair with Ruinart Blanc de Blanc champagnes?

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is sublimated by subtle, light and tonic flavors and delicate and ethereal textures, making it a perfect champagne for aperitifs. It is excellent when accompanied by slightly crunchy and sparkling textures like those of fish eggs as well as delicate textures like those of fine fish. I recommend a sea-bass steak with fennel jam, bream tartare or roasted lobster and grapefruit essence for the main dish. To enhance the champagne for dessert, pair the Blanc de Blancs with a light and ethereal texture like a soufflé or white-peach sorbet with pineapple foam.

To enhance the fresh and delicate notes expressed in the Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2006, pair the champagne with dishes combining a silky texture and sweet freshness. White fish or poached shellfish seasoned with herbs, citrus fruit zest and accompanied by a creamy element like a cauliflower mousseline or fennel purée will pair wonderfully.

How can Ruinart Rosé be enjoyed for Valentine’s Day?

Content from our partners
W New York - Times Square: "We Do Things Differently"
The Finest Destinations to Fly Private with Qatar Executive
A Weekend Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Ruinart Rosé champagne - Valentine's Day

Ruinart Rose is truly a festive champagne, one that I enjoy drinking through the meal from aperitif to dessert. The champagne will be enhanced by beginning with thin slices of fine prosciutto, duck foie gras or a salmon tataki. If you plan to pair with cheese, I suggest pairing with a Tomme de Montagne from Savoie or a Leicester. For the main course, a leg of milk-fed lamb or a low-temperature cooked veal fillet will pair nicely. For dessert, a panna cotta duo like vanilla and raspberry is a great finisher.

Of course, Valentine’s Day is a perfect moment to enjoy Ruinart champagne and celebrate love. But we champenois like to think that one doesn’t necessarily need a special moment to drink champagne, rather that champagne makes any moment special.

For more information on Ruinart Champagne, please visit ruinart.com.

If you’re in need of more drinking inspiration for your perfect date, see our list of Valentine’s Day cocktails.

Topics in this article : ,
Select and enter your email address Be the first to know about the latest in luxury lifestyle. Get the latest news on hotel openings and in-depth travel guides. Get insider access to exclusive promotions and special offers from our luxury partners.
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Websites in our network