The Best Type Of Wine To Sip Alongside Your Breakfast Sausage
Everyone loves a good brunch. It's an opportunity to dress your best, socialize with friends, and sip on some mimosas. However, many people don't consider breakfast wine pairings the same way they do with food eaten later in the day. It's a shame, really, because bubbles like Champagne or Prosecco (yes, without the juice) pair perfectly with an asparagus omelet, and if you prefer something light like yogurt, a glass of Gewürztraminer or Marsanne is the way to go. So, as we open our minds to the wider world of a.m. beverage possibilities, we must begin to ask: How can we craft the perfect wine pairing for our breakfast foods?
Amanda Davenport is a beverage director for Noisette, a restaurant and bakery in Denver, Colorado that specializes in high-quality food inspired by French cuisine. Naturally, she knows her way around good wine pairings. The expert gave Tasting Table some insight into why sparkling wine really is the ultimate brunch beverage, so we knew where to turn when looking for the best bottle to pop open while we fry up some sausage.
Choose something slightly sweet with fruity, juicy qualities
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, so let's start treating it with the same dignity and forethought we do dinner. Breakfast food like quiche, eggs benedict, or crepes can be just as nuanced and classy — if not more so — than something like steak and potatoes. That being said, if you find yourself with a breakfast plate filled with juicy and flavor-packed breakfast sausage, you should absolutely pair it with a glass of wine — specifically, one that's slightly sweet with fruity, juicy qualities.
According to Davenport, breakfast sausages tend to have a touch of sweetness to them, whether it's because they've been flavored with maple or fennel, which lends a soft, licorice flavor. It is this mild yet delectable taste that makes the classic breakfast sausage perfect for pairing with a bottle of wine that will complement its aromatics. The beverage director suggests trying a rich-flavored white wine, like a Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, that exhibits some fruity, warm characteristics. If you tend to shy away from white varietals, a good option for a red wine pairing would be something juicy and fruity, like a glass of Grenache.
No matter if you're a white or red fan, there is a way to start your morning off right with a plate full of protein and need a little something to enhance the dining experience.