Siberian (Baerii), French

The world's most-produced caviar species, raised in the clean rivers of Périgord. Small, smooth beads with a gentle pop, mild nuttiness, and a fresh, clean finish. The friendliest introduction to genuine caviar — unpretentious and honest.

Mild and fresh; the friendliest blini caviar for first-timers. The full traditional service — blini, crème fraîche, chives — was practically designed for this grade.

Pairings

Champagne

Brut NV Champagne, Crémant de Limoux

Wine

Sauvignon Blanc, Picpoul de Pinet

Spirits

Chilled vodka, Dry white port

Production

Source

farmed

Producer

Caviar de Neuvic (Dordogne, France)

Processing

malossol

Grade

classic

Legal & sourcing

Farmed Baerii; fully legal in the US. The most widely produced caviar species worldwide.

CITES Appendix II — international trade requires documentation. Wild harvest is banned; all commercial product is farmed.

Best entry point: gentle, nutty, approachable. Great for a first tasting or a crowd.