Are oysters good for you?

Yes, oysters are highly nutritious. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium, and are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming oysters can support heart health, boost immunity, and promote healthy skin. However, it's important to eat them fresh and from reputable sources to avoid potential contaminants.

Are oysters an aphrodisiac?

Oysters are often touted as an aphrodisiac due to their high zinc content, which plays a role in producing testosterone. While many cultures believe in their aphrodisiac properties, scientific evidence on this claim is limited. Nonetheless, oysters are a nutritious addition to one's diet and can contribute to overall well-being.

Are oysters shellfish?

Yes, oysters are classified as shellfish. They belong to the bivalve mollusk family, characterized by a hinged two-part shell. Consuming oysters can pose allergy risks for those allergic to shellfish, so it's essential to exercise caution if you have known food allergies.

Are oysters alive when you eat them?

Yes, oysters are typically alive when consumed raw. Keeping them alive until consumption ensures freshness and reduces the risk of harmful bacteria. Once shucked open, they should have a glossy appearance and a sea-fresh aroma, indicating they're safe to eat.

When oyster season starts?

Oyster season typically begins in the cooler months, often starting in September and lasting through April. However, the exact timing can vary based on the region and local regulations. It's always advisable to check local guidelines or oyster farms in your area for precise season dates.

How should oysters be stored and how long do they last?

Fresh, unopened oysters should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally between 0 to 4 degrees Celsius (32 to 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), cup side down in a bowl covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. They should not be stored in a sealed plastic bag or submerged in water as they might suffocate. Properly stored, fresh oysters should last up to 5 days, however, it's best to consume them as soon as possible.

How do you open an oyster?

Use an oyster knife and a thick cloth for protection. Hold the oyster flat side up, insert the knife at the hinge, twist the knife to pop it open, then slide the knife under the top shell to sever the muscle. Be careful not to spill the juices!

How should oysters be served?

Fresh oysters should be served on a bed of crushed ice to keep them cool. Keep the oyster's flat side facing up to retain the natural briny liquid. It's traditional to serve them with lemon wedges, mignonette sauce, and freshly grated horseradish. Don't forget an oyster knife for opening them!

How many oysters should be served per person?

For a starter, serve around six oysters per person. If they are the main course, around a dozen oysters per person is a good amount.

How do you eat oysters?

Using a small fork, ensure the oyster is detached from the shell. Pick up the shell, and slurp the oyster with its juice from the wide end. It's fine to chew, swallow, or both.

Which champagne goes best with oysters?

Brut Nature, Extra Brut, and Blanc de Blancs champagnes, such as Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Louis Roederer Cristal, or Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, pair wonderfully with oysters. The dryness and high acidity of these champagnes complement the saltiness and creaminess of the oysters, making for a harmonious tasting experience.

How should champagne be served?

Champagne should be served chilled, between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius (47 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). It's best to chill the bottle in the fridge for at least three hours before serving. If you need to cool it quickly or keep it at the right temperature during serving, an ice bucket can be used. Fill the bucket halfway with ice, then add water to create an ice-water bath which cools the bottle faster.

How to open a champagne bottle like a pro?

Start by removing the foil and wire cage. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others. Hold the cork and gently twist the bottle (not the cork) until the cork eases out with a soft sigh rather than a pop.

How to pour champagne like a pro?

Start by holding the base of the bottle, not the body, to keep the drink cool. Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and gently pour the champagne down the side. This technique helps preserve the bubbles. Fill the glass about two-thirds, then let the foam settle before topping it up. This ensures that the champagne doesn't overflow and that the mousse (foam) is kept to a minimum, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

What type of glasses to use for serving champagne?

Master sommeliers often recommend using tulip-shaped glasses or white wine glasses for serving champagne. Tulip-shaped glasses, with their wider middle and narrower top, are excellent for enhancing the aroma and flavor profiles of complex champagnes. White wine glasses, with their broader bowl, allow the champagne to breathe and the flavors to develop better, providing a fuller tasting experience.

Oysters and cold champagne with sunset in Cannes

Indulge in Luxury: A Guide to Serving Oysters and Champagne

Discover how to serve and savor the luxurious oysters & champagne duo with our captivating guide, elevating your dining events to new heights.

Luxury Lifestyle

11 min read

Discover how to serve and savor the luxurious oysters & champagne duo with our captivating guide, elevating your dining events to new heights.

11 min read

Joie de vivre, a French phrase meaning "joy of living," embodies the French appreciation for life's simple pleasures and the pursuit of happiness. Oysters and champagne, a classic pairing, perfectly represent this concept as they evoke feelings of indulgence, celebration, and sophistication. Enjoying this luxurious combination allows one to truly savor the moment and embrace the joie de vivre, adding a touch of French flair and elegance to any occasion.

This classic pairing is a delightful way to kick off a memorable evening, as the delicate flavors and textures of the oysters are perfectly complemented by the crisp, effervescence of champagne. Follow these tips and ensure your guests enjoy an exquisite dining experience transporting them to the dazzling shores of French Riviera.

The Fine Art of Sourcing and Serving Oysters

To make sure you're buying fresh oysters, start by choosing a reputable seafood market or store known for its high-quality seafood. When selecting oysters, look for tightly closed shells or ones that close when tapped, and avoid any with open or cracked shells. It's also important to ask about the harvest date, as fresher oysters will taste better. Fresh oysters should have a moist and shiny appearance, and their smell should be fresh and briny, not fishy.

After purchasing, store the oysters in the refrigerator on a tray or in a bowl with the curved side of the shell facing down. Avoid storing them in airtight containers or submerged in water, as this can suffocate them. While they can be stored for up to 5 days, it's best to consume them within 2-3 days for optimal taste and freshness.

As you prepare to serve the oyster course, keep these essential tips in mind to ensure a delightful and memorable dining experience:

Always serve oysters fresh and on ice. Arrange them on a bed of crushed ice on a large platter, keeping the oyster's flat side facing up to retain the natural briny liquid.
Provide oyster forks or small seafood forks for your guests to loosen the oyster from its shell easily.
Offer a selection of traditional condiments, such as lemon wedges, mignonette sauce (a mixture of finely chopped shallots, red wine vinegar, and cracked black pepper), and freshly grated horseradish.
For an elevated presentation, you can garnish the platter with fresh seaweed or edible flowers.

For an appetizer or starter course, you should consider serving approximately 6 oysters per person. However, if oysters are the main focus of the meal or if your guests are particularly fond of them, you may want to serve 12 or more oysters per person to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy.

Champagne on a wooden table in the garden

Oysters and Brut Champagne: a Match Made in Heaven

The ideal wine pairing should complement the dish without overpowering its flavors. Brut champagne has several characteristics that make it a perfect match for oysters:

Acidity: The high acidity in brut champagne cuts through the richness and creaminess of the oysters, cleansing the palate and enhancing the taste of the oysters. The acidity in the champagne also helps to balance out the oysters' natural brininess.
Minerality: The chalky soils of the Champagne region in France contribute to the wine's distinct minerality, which pairs beautifully with the mineral flavors found in oysters.
Effervescence: The bubbles in champagne add a pleasant, refreshing sensation that complements the smooth and silky texture of the oysters. Additionally, the effervescence can help to lift the oyster's flavors, creating a harmonious balance.
Dryness: Brut champagne is known for its dryness, meaning it has a low sugar content. This dryness is essential when pairing with oysters, as a sweeter wine could overpower the delicate flavors of the oysters.

Although some other wines, like Chablis or Muscadet, can also pair well with oysters, brut champagne is often the preferred choice for its exceptional harmony of acidity, minerality, effervescence, and dryness that complements and enhances the oyster experience.

Champagne and oysters on a table by the sea

Selecting the Ideal Champagne: Top Picks for Oyster Pairings

Choose a high-quality champagne with a good balance of acidity, minerality, and fruitiness to enhance the oysters' flavors. Some ideal options include:

Non-vintage Brut Champagne:

Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut This classic non-vintage champagne offers a perfect balance of freshness, fruitiness, and elegance. It's a blend of more than 100 different wines, including 20-30% reserve wines. Its tasting notes include green apple, citrus, and subtle minerality. Read more about Moët & Chandon
Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Another iconic non-vintage champagne, Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label is characterized by its rich, toasty flavors with hints of apple, pear, and lemon zest. It's a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes, creating a well-rounded and complex champagne. Read more about Veuve Clicquot

Vintage Champagne:

Dom Pérignon Vintage 2012 Dom Pérignon is known for its exceptional vintage champagnes. The 2012 vintage offers a harmonious and vibrant experience, featuring flavors of ripe fruit, toasted brioche, and a hint of almond. Its fine bubbles and long finish make it a luxurious choice. Read more about Dom Pérignon
Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 A prestigious vintage champagne, Louis Roederer Cristal 2012 boasts rich and complex flavors, including white peach, apricot, and brioche with a touch of hazelnut. The wine is aged for six years before release, providing a refined and balanced taste. Read more about Louis Roederer

Blanc de Blancs Champagne:

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a refreshing and delicate champagne. It features notes of citrus, peach, and white flowers, with a hint of brioche, resulting in a crisp and elegant experience. Read more about Ruinart
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2008 This exquisite Blanc de Blancs from the renowned 2008 vintage showcases a perfect harmony of richness and finesse. It features vibrant citrus, green apple, and white flower notes, complemented by a subtle minerality and a lingering finish. Read more about Taittinger

Brut Champagne 2012

Dom Pérignon

Cristal Brut Champagne (Millésimé) 2012

Louis Roederer

Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne

Ruinart

Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2012

Taittinger

Yellow Label Brut Champagne

Veuve Clicquot

Impérial Brut Champagne

Moët & Chandon

A Toast to Perfection: How to Serve Champagne Like a Pro?

Chill the champagne to the optimal serving temperature of around 47-50°F (8-10°C). Place the bottle in an ice bucket filled with ice and water for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps preserve the bubbles and maintain the optimal taste.
Master sommeliers recommend using tulip-shaped glasses (instead of classic flutes) to better showcase the champagne's bubbles and enhance the tasting experience. The tulip-shaped glass allows for better aroma development and a more balanced flavor. Using white wine glasses for champagne has also gained popularity in recent years. This type of glass allows the champagne to breathe and the aromas to develop, providing a fuller sensory experience compared to a narrow flute. The larger surface area also helps to release the complex flavors of the champagne, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Remove the foil and wire cage, and grasp the cork firmly with one hand while holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle with the other. Slowly twist the bottle, not the cork, until you feel the pressure start to release. Gently ease the cork out with a soft hiss, avoiding any loud pops.
Hold the champagne bottle near the base with your thumb in the punt (the indentation at the bottom). Gently tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and pour the champagne slowly down the side of the glass. This technique helps preserve the bubbles and prevents excessive foaming.
Fill the glass only halfway, allowing ample room for the champagne's aroma to develop. This also makes it easier for your guests to swirl the champagne and appreciate its full sensory experience.

Following these steps, you'll impress your guests with your expert champagne pouring skills and ensure that everyone enjoys the champagne's aroma, flavor, and effervescence to the fullest.

By carefully focusing on presentation, choosing top-quality oysters and champagnes, and finding the best pairings, your oyster and champagne course will surely impress your guests at your French Riviera-themed dinner party. Embrace the joy of life, or "joie de vivre," as you and your guests enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this classic combination. This memorable dining experience will set the tone for a fun-filled evening with great conversation, laughter, and appreciation of life's finer moments.

Explore our selection for the ultimate champagne & oysters dinner party:

Murano champagne coupe glass

Dolce & Gabbana Casa

Performance Champagne Glasses (Set of 2)

Riedel

Gold Hammered Cooler

Twine

Striped coupe champagne glass

Aquazzura Casa

Coupette Glass (Set of 4)

Spiegelau

Champagne Glass (Set of 2)

Glasvin

Belmont Bar Cart

Viski

Nickel Beverage and Ice Cooler

The Collective

Bottle of Moêt & Chandon champagne in a cooler

Bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne in a cooler with glasses

Lizzie Z.

As a top level corporate executive, Lizzie embarked on a soul-searching journey of adventure and slow living, passionately sharing her insights as the founder of RLM.

Topics

Food & Wine

Published: March 09, 2023

•

Updated: March 13, 2024

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