‘Tis the Season . . . for Dungeness Crab and Sparkling Wine!    While December can bring colder temperatures and often inclement weather, it makes up for it by delivering fresh Dungeness Crab to the Bay Area.   In the Bay Area, Dungeness Crab season typically begins in December and thus the delicious seafood finds its way into many dishes and holiday celebrations.    During the weekend, markets were loaded with fresh fully cooked Dungeness Crab and there was a tinge of excitement in the air since residents have waited most of the year for crab again to be seasonal.    Given it is the start of the season, there is no better way to celebrate its arrival than by pairing it with some quality Sparkling Wine.

Considering Sparkling Wines to be paired alongside Dungeness Crab, it is a natural decision to select a vintage of Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs.   Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs is made from one hundred percent (100%) Chardonnay grapes obtained from various vineyards in wine country.  To make the wine, small lots of malolactic- and barrel-fermented wines are added.    By combining these two styles of Chardonnay wines, not only does the resulting Sparkling Wine have complexity but it also has a unique light, if not “fly-away” consistency of bubbles in the mouth.   If you are thinking that this wine is special, you are on target because it was the 1972 vintage of Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs that then President Nixon served at the historic “Toast to Peace” in Beijing, China.

Depending on the vintage that either you have in your collection or you purchase today, Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs will present aromas of citrus, green apple, pear, apricot and honey.  Despite the presence of citrus, the acidity is balanced in the wine and contributes to a sophisticated, lingering finish.   Given the quality of Schramsberg’s winemaking, the Blanc de Blancs will age nicely.  If you are fortunate enough to have an older vintage on hand you will note that the wine is smoother and richer in the mouth, yet still maintains a light “fly-away” sensation.   These very same characteristics permit Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs a slightly broader spectrum of food pairings than the average Chardonnay based Sparkling Wine.

To create a seasonal casual menu serving Dungeness Crab alongside Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs, this week’s menu holds:

1)      Dungeness Crab Tostadas With Oaxacan Guacamole; and

2)     Mexican Wedding Cakes With Sliced Strawberries.

Dungeness Crab and Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs go together like soul mates on a warm sandy beach.   Even served simply alone, fishing out freshly cooked Dungeness Crab from its shell will pair beautifully with the Blanc de Blancs.   

Oaxacan Guacamole involves some cilantro, lime juice and green onion.  Since the green onion is a milder onion, it does not overwhelm the Sparkling Wine (which is crucial).  The buttery nature of the avocado reminds one of the deeper Chardonnay characteristics of the wine.

If you are entertaining guests, creating a tostada is quick and easy.   However, in this case choosing to make a tostada is intentional when considering the wine paired.  The consistency of the tostada sets forth a light texture so as to not overwhelm Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs (which is also light in the mouth).   Spreading a thin layer of the Oaxacan Guacamole on the tosada and adding some fresh Dungeness Crab on top with a lemon wedge along the side is a perfect accompaniment for this beautiful Sparkling Wine. 

Mexican Wedding Cakes are the perfect seasonal holiday dessert to quickly pair alongside Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs.    If made well, Mexican Wedding Cakes will be light and almost airy in consistency (which is compatible to the wine).   Combining this aspect with the cookie’s light outer coating of confectioner’s sugar and walnut or pecan chunks hidden inside, it pairs perfectly with Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs and accentuates the wine’s own subtle nutty notes.   Add some slices of strawberries for color, decoration and a simple extra dash of sweetness to finish off the last bit of sparkling wine in your glass. 

While the weather may begin to turn frightful this December, remember that light and festive seafood may be coming into season depending on where you live.   Pair it with a fun glass of Bubbles and spirits lighten instantly.