Caviar has a reputation for being complicated. It does not have to be. If you are curious about buying caviar in Denver, the easiest place to start is a single French producer with a clear range, and that is exactly what Sturia offers. This guide explains who Sturia is, how its five caviars differ, how much to buy, and how to serve it at home.
Who Is Sturia?
Sturia is a French caviar producer based in Aquitaine, in the southwest of France. The story goes back to 1920, when Russian exiles arriving in the region discovered wild sturgeon in the local waters. After wild sturgeon fishing was banned in 2008, the region's fish farms became the source of French caviar, and today Sturia raises its own sturgeon, produces the caviar and matures it, all in one place. The brand is named in tribute to Acipenser sturio, the native European sturgeon.
Sturia says its fish are born and raised on its own farms with no antibiotics, no added hormones and no GMOs. A female Baerii sturgeon takes around eight years to mature, and that patience is part of the price of the tin.
Meet the Five Sturia Caviars
Most of the range comes from the Baerii (Siberian) sturgeon. The big difference between the tins is how long the caviar is matured, because time changes the flavor.
- Primeur: the youngest, matured for less than four weeks. Creamy and gentle, with a fresh hazelnut taste. The best first caviar.
- Vintage: matured for about three months. Firm pearls with a fruity, lightly briny finish. A balanced favorite.
- Origin: matured for more than eight months. The boldest in the range, with a deep, classic caviar flavor.
- Oscietra: from a different sturgeon, the Gueldenstaedtii. Golden-brown pearls with a buttery, nutty taste, and the first Oscietra produced in France.
- Classic Baerii: the soft, melting, buttery entry to the range, and the easiest way to try Sturia at a friendly price.
Not sure where to begin? Start with Sturia Primeur for a gentle first taste, or Oscietra if you want something buttery and rich. You can see the whole range on our Sturia caviar page.
Baerii or Oscietra: Which Should You Choose?
Baerii caviar tends to taste of the sea, with a range from soft and creamy (Primeur and Classic) to strong and iodine-rich (Origin). Oscietra is generally milder and creamier, with a buttery, nutty finish. If you think caviar will taste too salty or too strong, Oscietra and Primeur are the safest choices. If you already love caviar and want depth, try Origin.
How Much Caviar Do You Need?
A good rule is about 5g to 15g per person as a small bite on blinis or crackers, and 15g to 20g per person as a starter. For a main course, plan on 20g to 30g per person. That makes the tin sizes easy to match to an occasion:
- 15g: a taste for one or two people, or a small gift.
- 30g: a starter for two or a small dinner.
- 50g: a generous serving for four people.
- 100g: a party, a holiday table or a premium client gift.
How to Serve Caviar at Home
The best caviar is served simply. Take the tin out of the refrigerator just before serving and keep it on ice if you can. Use a mother-of-pearl or plastic spoon, because metal can change the flavor. Then pick one of these easy pairings:
- Warm blinis with a spoonful of creme fraiche.
- Soft scrambled eggs with caviar on top.
- Small boiled baby potatoes with creme fraiche.
- Crisp toast points, or simply a taste straight from the spoon.
What to Drink with Caviar
The classic partner for caviar is a dry Brut Champagne or another dry sparkling wine, and a crisp, dry white wine also works well. Some caviar lovers enjoy a small glass of ice-cold vodka with a bolder caviar such as Sturia Origin. If you prefer something without alcohol, plain sparkling water with a slice of lemon keeps the palate fresh. Please note that 5280Gourmet does not sell alcohol, so pick up a bottle from your favorite local shop.
How to Store Caviar
Caviar is perishable. Keep the tin in the coldest part of your refrigerator, between 32 and 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and never freeze it. Once the tin is opened, enjoy the caviar within two to three days.
Caviar as a Gift in Denver
A tin of French caviar is a memorable gift for a client, an executive or someone special. 5280Gourmet delivers caviar cold across Metro Denver, so it arrives fresh. For something bigger, ask about a custom bespoke gift basket, browse our corporate gifts, or see our employee and workplace gifts.
Where to Buy Sturia Caviar in Denver
You can order Sturia caviar for cold delivery anywhere in Metro Denver on our Sturia caviar page, or compare it with other options in our full caviar collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sturia caviar real sturgeon caviar?
Yes. Every Sturia tin is sturgeon caviar, farmed in Aquitaine, France.
What is the best Sturia caviar for a beginner?
Primeur and Classic are the most approachable. Oscietra is a good choice if you prefer a buttery, milder flavor.
What drink goes with caviar?
Dry Brut Champagne or sparkling wine and crisp dry white wines are the classic choices. For a stronger caviar like Origin, some people enjoy ice-cold vodka. Sparkling water with lemon also works well.
Do you deliver caviar in Denver?
Yes. We deliver caviar cold and fresh throughout Metro Denver. Because it is perishable, please choose a delivery date when someone can receive it.
How long does opened caviar last?
Enjoy opened caviar within two to three days, and keep it refrigerated the whole time.
