Yes, I drink wine for breakfast and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Not every day. My indulgence is sporadic enough that it’s still a treat rather than a habit, but often enough that I can fess up truthfully.
I don’t recommend it if you’ll be operating heavy machinery or have to roll into work at some point. However, during the lazy, leisurely holidays when eating and afternoon naps are the only to-dos on the agenda, consider trying it out.
Of course this means feasting on something fancier than cornflakes or yoghurt. Bacon and eggs are definitely deserving of wine. And if someone is ambitious enough to make eggs Benedict, it’s an absolute must. Sparkling wine is always a good palate cleanser with runny yolks. And I love a Chardonnay with backbone (aka lots of acidity) to go with hollandaise sauce. Sweeter fare like French toast, waffles, and pancakes merit an equally sweet tipple.
My overriding strategy at breakfast is to drink wines that are lower in alcohol. A 15 per cent, Amarone at 11am is simply over the top, even for me. Besides, it would obliterate eggs. I tend to stick to wines at 12 per cent alcohol or much less. And in the morning, I have a preference for white, whether it’s sparkling or still. Though I can easily be tempted by a rosé. However, if red is your colour of choice, opt for lighter fruitier examples like Beaujolais and pair with a mushroom frittata or sausages.
If you are really lucky, someone will serve you breakfast in bed. Now that’s what I really want for Christmas.
n/v Fresita, Sparkling Wine infused with Strawberries • Chile • $16.99, BC Liquor Stores
Infused with real, hand-picked strawberries from Patagonia, Fresita exudes pure, fresh fruit that you won’t taste in those over-priced, out-of-season berries currently available. And 8 per cent is still a fairly gentle way to wake up. Relish with French toast or waffles topped with a berry compote.
2011 Château de la Gravelle • Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine sur lie AOC, France • $17.99, BC Liquor Stores
An understated beauty light on its feet with modest alcohol (12 per cent) and thirst-quenching acidity. Citrus and apple blossom are complemented by a salty tang. Whip up a simple omelette. Hand-peeled shrimp is an optional filling.
2012 Dr. Pauly Bergweiler, Riesling • Mosel, Germany • $18.99, BC Liquor Stores
Smoke and wet stone meet Granny Smith apple and lemon zest. Bright acid will stir you from your slumber and refresh your palates between bites. This 10 per cent, off-dry Riesling is a treat with bacon, eggs, and onion jam. Or try with sausages.
2013 Massolino • Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Italy • $27.95, BC Liquor Stores
This sweet and lovely Moscato weighs in at five per cent, so you’ll hardly feel it. Light, frothy, and bursting with orange rind and flowers, it’s delightful with fruit salad and orange sponge cake. Yes you can have cake for breakfast too!
n/v Jansz, Premium Cuvée • Tasmania, Australia • $29.95, BC Liquor Stores
I may be 0.5 per cent over my limit here but I am willing to make an exception for this high-quality sparkler from Australia’s cool Tasmania region. Think nuts, lemon, and red currants. A great contender for eggs Benny but I’d also drink it with my personal favourite brekkie of smoked salmon and cream cheese on a toasted bagel.
