Toasting Valentine’s with Gaston Chiquet Champagne
There’s something about Valentine’s that begs for a bubbly toast 🥂
Not necessarily the over-the-top kind — not the roses-and-reservations kind (although I love that too). But the quieter kind. The kind where you light a candle, put your phone away, and open a bottle that feels a little special. Something that says: we celebrated another year, another season, another stretch of life… and we’re still choosing each other.
This year, we decided we wanted to try a bottle of Gaston Chiquet Champagne for Valentine’s — a grower Champagne that feels like a secret you get to keep, even when you’re sharing it.
And honestly? It was exactly the kind of bottle you want for a celebration that’s meant to feel intentional.
Why Gaston Chiquet?
If you’re newer to Champagne beyond the big names, Gaston Chiquet is a perfect place to start. It’s a family-run grower-producer Champagne house based in Dizy, a village near Épernay in the Vallée de la Marne. In the world of Champagne, where many labels you recognize are massive operations buying grapes from all over the region, grower Champagne is different.
Grower Champagne tends to feel more personal. More expressive. More tied to a specific place.
Gaston Chiquet is known for producing Champagne that’s beautifully balanced: bright and crisp, but with enough texture and depth that it doesn’t disappear the second you take a sip. It’s not loud. It doesn’t scream. It’s the kind of Champagne that makes you pause and say, Wait… what is this? — in the best way.
For Valentine’s, that felt right.
Because if we’re being honest, Champagne is romantic by default. But a bottle like this makes the moment feel a little more curated. Like you didn’t just grab “a Champagne,” you grabbed a Champagne you wanted to remember.
First Impressions: What It Tastes Like
The first thing I noticed about Gaston Chiquet was how clean and refined it felt. The bubbles are energetic but not aggressive — that delicate, fine mousse that makes the whole experience feel elegant.
Flavor-wise, think:
Crisp green apple
Citrus zest
White flowers
A hint of toasted brioche
A subtle mineral edge that keeps it refreshing
It’s bright, but it’s not sharp. There’s a softness underneath the sparkle that makes it incredibly easy to drink — which is both a compliment and a warning. This is a bottle that will be gone before you know it.
And for Valentine’s? That’s kind of the point.
The Valentine’s Vibe: Romantic Without Being Overdone
Valentine’s doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do is create a small moment at home that feels like a break from the world.
This bottle paired perfectly with a low-effort, high-reward evening:
soft lighting
a cozy playlist
a simple but elevated dinner
a dessert that didn’t feel like a sugar bomb
and Champagne that made it all feel like an occasion
Gaston Chiquet has that magic quality where it instantly upgrades the moment — without needing a fancy menu or a restaurant reservation.
The Best Vegan Pairings for Gaston Chiquet Champagne
One of the biggest misconceptions about Champagne is that it only goes with oysters or caviar or buttery seafood.
In reality, Champagne is one of the most food-friendly wines in the world — especially with vegan dishes — because it has:
acidity (cuts richness)
bubbles (lift flavors)
minerality (pairs with vegetables beautifully)
and a touch of yeastiness (which plays well with roasted and savory notes)
Below are some of my favorite vegan pairing options for Gaston Chiquet, ranging from casual to elevated.
1) Potato Chips + French Onion Dip (Vegan)
Let’s start with the truth: Champagne and salty snacks are a perfect match.
The salt + crunch with the bubbles is a guaranteed win. If you want to make it feel a little more “Valentine’s,” serve it in a bowl, add a few olives, and call it a night.
Why it works:
Salt and fat + acid and bubbles = balance.
2) Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Flaky Salt
If you want something cozy but still a little special, roasted smashed potatoes are the move. Serve with a vegan aioli, lemon zest, and herbs.
Why it works:
The Champagne’s acidity cuts the richness, and the toasted notes echo the roasted edges of the potatoes.
3) Avocado Toast with Lemon + Chili Flakes
Champagne with brunch foods is underrated, and avocado toast is basically the vegan equivalent of “luxury minimalism.”
Add:
lemon zest
flaky salt
chili flakes
microgreens
Why it works:
Creamy avocado + citrusy Champagne = bright, fresh, and clean.
4) Roasted Asparagus with Olive Oil + Maldon Salt
Asparagus can be tricky with some wines, but Champagne handles it beautifully.
Keep it simple: roast hard, finish with lemon.
Why it works:
Champagne’s minerality pairs naturally with green vegetables.
5) Vegan Sushi (Especially Avocado, Cucumber, and Pickled Veg)
If you want a Valentine’s dinner that feels special but doesn’t require cooking, vegan sushi is a dream pairing.
Order or make:
avocado rolls
cucumber rolls
shiitake nigiri
pickled daikon
inari (if vegan)
Why it works:
The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, and the acidity pairs well with rice vinegar and soy.
6) Miso-Glazed Eggplant
This is one of my favorite vegan “main character” dishes.
Miso + roasted eggplant + a little sweetness is so good with Champagne — especially a bottle with brioche notes.
Why it works:
The umami from miso plays beautifully with Champagne’s yeastiness.
7) Mushroom Tart (Vegan Puff Pastry)
A mushroom tart feels like Valentine’s dinner without being too heavy. Use:
sautéed mushrooms
caramelized onions
thyme
vegan crème fraîche or cashew cream
Why it works:
Earthy mushrooms + Champagne = elegant contrast.
8) Truffle Fries (or Truffle Popcorn)
Truffle and Champagne is an iconic pairing for a reason.
Go for:
truffle oil (sparingly)
parsley
lemon zest
vegan parmesan
Why it works:
The aromatics elevate the Champagne, and the bubbles keep it from feeling heavy.
9) Charred Broccolini with Garlic + Chili
A simple, slightly spicy green vegetable dish is amazing with Champagne.
Why it works:
The acidity keeps it crisp and refreshing, while the bubbles soften heat.
10) Vegan “Cheese” Board (That Actually Works)
Vegan cheese boards can be hit-or-miss, but the right choices pair beautifully with Champagne.
Try:
cashew brie-style rounds
almond-based ricotta
fig jam
grapes
Marcona almonds
seeded crackers
olives
Why it works:
Champagne’s acidity cuts creamy textures, and fruit notes play well with jams.
11) Pasta with Lemon, Olive Oil, and Herbs
A simple pasta can be extremely romantic.
Make it:
spaghetti or linguine
olive oil
lemon juice + zest
parsley + basil
toasted breadcrumbs
chili flakes
Why it works:
The lemon and herbs mirror the wine’s citrus and floral profile.
12) Risotto with Mushrooms + White Wine (Vegan)
A vegan mushroom risotto is cozy and luxurious, and it pairs beautifully with a Champagne like Gaston Chiquet.
Why it works:
Creamy + earthy + crisp bubbles = balance and contrast.
13) Vegan Tempura (Vegetables, Sweet Potato, Shishito)
Tempura and Champagne is one of those pairings that feels like it shouldn’t work… but absolutely does.
Why it works:
Fried foods love bubbles. It’s science.
14) Strawberry + Dark Chocolate (The Valentine’s Classic)
If you want the classic Valentine’s dessert, do it the elevated way.
Try:
fresh strawberries
thin dark chocolate shards
a sprinkle of flaky salt
maybe a few crushed pistachios
Why it works:
The fruit pulls out the Champagne’s brightness, and the chocolate feels indulgent without being heavy.
15) Raspberry Sorbet with Fresh Mint
This is the easiest “fancy dessert” you can do.
Bonus points if you scoop it into a coupe glass and top with a little Champagne for a float moment.
Why it works:
Bright fruit + bubbles = perfect ending.
The Best Way to Serve Gaston Chiquet Champagne
A few quick tips that make a difference:
Chill it well (but not frozen): aim for about 45–50°F
Use a white wine glass or tulip glass if you can
(flutes look cute, but they hide the aroma)Don’t rush it — Champagne changes as it warms slightly in the glass
This is one of those bottles that gets even better as you sip.
Final Thoughts: A Bottle Worth Remembering
Gaston Chiquet Champagne is the kind of bottle that makes you feel like you’re doing Valentine’s right — whether you’re cooking a full dinner or just ordering takeout and lighting a candle.
It’s crisp, romantic, quietly luxurious, and genuinely delicious. And it pairs beautifully with vegan food in a way that feels effortless, not restrictive.
Which, honestly, is the energy I want for Valentine’s.
Not fussy. Not performative. Just intentional, beautiful, and shared.
So if you’re looking for a Champagne to toast with this year — something that feels special, but still approachable — Gaston Chiquet is a gorgeous choice.
Cheers to love. Cheers to the little moments. And cheers to a bottle that makes the whole evening sparkle.
