Champagne for aperitifs

Champagne as an aperitif: a sparkling start to the meal

The perfect moment for bubbles, the aperitif calls for a fresh, lively and thirst-quenching champagne that whets the appetite without overwhelming the palate. Opt for crisp, lightly dosed styles: a convivial brut, an extra-brut or brut nature for a more austere profile, or a blanc de blancs full of finesse and citrus notes.

For a more indulgent aperitif, a rosé champagne with red fruit aromas pairs beautifully with fine charcuterie and appetisers. Serve it well chilled, between 8 and 10 °C, in a glass large enough to allow the aromas to develop.

Discover our selection of aperitif champagnes and extend the pairing throughout the meal with our food and champagne pairings, featuring our full range of champagnes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which champagne should you serve as an aperitif?

For an aperitif, choose a fresh champagne with low dosage: a classic brut, an extra-brut or a delicate blanc de blancs. These lively cuvées whet the appetite without overwhelming the palate. A rosé is ideal for a more indulgent aperitif.

At what temperature should champagne be served as an aperitif?

Serve champagne as an aperitif well chilled, between 8 and 10 °C. Place the bottle in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours, or in an ice bucket filled with water and ice for 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid the freezer, as this destroys the aromas.

Brut or extra-brut as an aperitif?

Both are suitable. Brut, with a slight dosage, is more universally appealing and rich. Extra-brut (less than 6 g of sugar per litre) is drier and more crisp, ideal for those who prefer a lively flavour and seafood canapés. Brut nature contains no added sugar.