Bubbles and Bites at Gelsons

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

First time going to the expanded wine bar at Gelsons market. www.gelsons.com. Have not been in this grocery store in years. Wine/Beer bar sits 10 at the higher level and has a low set up for 2 because of ADA requirements.  This was a Champagne tasting on the medium to higher scale. Bottles were available for purchase, which many people did, but I found the "special tonight prices" to be on the high side. The Clicquot Yellow Label special price was $55. Regular price was listed at $65  - I know several places that it can be purchased anytime in the $43 to $45 range.  But Gelsons is a high end market and prices reflect that.

We were served a plate that had 4 cheeses and 4 proteins. Each set was to go with a particular wine.  All the pairings worked well together

First in the line up was Veuve Clicquot Yellow Brut along with Campofrio Jamon Serrano Spanish Ham and Brillat Savarin (triple Brie) cheese.

Veuve Clicquot Rose with Les Trois Petits Cochons Duck Mousse and Emmi Gruyere Cheese.

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial with Creminelli Varzi Salami and La Tur Mixed- Milked Cheese (slightly funky)

Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Rose with Les Trois Petits Cochons Duck Confit and Red Cow Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (too much hard rind that was uneatable)

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc with Lobster Salad Slider.

Ruinart Rose with Chocolate Covered Strawberry (huge).

I preferred the Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. All the wines were very good but that one was my favorite of the evening.

The wine bar is a nice set up. You can have lunch there and order a glass or wine or beer (tap). Great if you live in the neighborhood.