Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Which wine to have with brunch.

- LORRI HAMBUCHEN Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London’s Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email: uncorked@thewinecen­ter.com

If we have mimosas for brunch why not skip the OJ and just enjoy a glass of wine?

Pairing wine with your favorite brunch dish can be challengin­g only because we don’t usually consider bacon and eggs with a wine pairing.

But if we apply the same principles to brunch dishes that we apply to dinner, the perfect match is easier than you may think.

■ Chicken and Waffles. Fried chicken and waffles can be found on menus everywhere and especially in the South. It may be an expected pairing but Champagne is an ideal choice. Not only does it offer the indulgence associated with brunch, it has the acidity needed for the crisp waffle and the refreshing bubble to cut the crunchy crust of the chicken.

THE VALUE

NV Gruet Brut, New Mexico (about $18 retail)

THE SPLURGE

NV Iron Horse Sparkling Wine, California (about $47 retail)

■ Blueberry Pancakes and French Toast. These brunch items are generally sweet, so the standard rule applies: sweet dishes need a wine equal in sweetness or slightly sweeter. Moscato d’Asti is an ideal pairing with its light body, delicate bubble and low alcohol.

THE VALUE

NV Cupcake Moscato d’Asti, Italy (about $13 retail)

THE SPLURGE

NV Scrapona Moscato d’Asti, Italy (about $16 retail) ■ Meat Casseroles, Frittatas and Omelets. Robust dishes filled with bacon, sausage and ground beef need a wine with enough body and tannic structure to stand up to these ingredient­s. The earthy characteri­stics of pinot noir accentuate­s the rich savory and smoky flavors of these dishes but also offer a lighter body than most red wines.

THE VALUE

2016 A by Acacia Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2016 Presqu’ile Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, California (about $22 retail)

■ Eggs Benedict. Nothing says brunch like eggs Benedict. There is something about this dish that makes us feel our brunch menu is complete. Because of the weight of the eggs and the robust ham, a rose is a complement to this item. Because rose wines offer the slight tannic structure we find in red wines it enables the dish to not be overpowere­d by high gritty tannins. It’s also a refreshing addition because of its medium acidity and chilled serving temperatur­e.

THE VALUE

2017 Apothic Rose, California (about $12 retail)

THE SPLURGE

2017 A to Z Wineworks Rose, Oregon (about $17 retail)

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