Posted on November 23rd, 2023.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of sparkling wine? Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply looking to unwind after a long day of holiday preparations, sparkling wine can add a touch of elegance and effervescence to your celebrations. 

In this guide, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of enjoying sparkling wine during the holidays, from choosing the right pairings to serving it with style.

Selecting the Perfect Sparkling Wine

Before we dive into the dos and don'ts, let's start with the basics - selecting the perfect sparkling wine for your holiday festivities. Here are some key considerations:

Dos:

Explore Different Varieties: Don't limit yourself to just one type of sparkling wine. Consider exploring various options such as Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and sparkling rosé. Each has its unique flavor profile and characteristics.

Consider Your Budget: Sparkling wines come in a range of price points. Set a budget that works for you and explore options within that range. You can find excellent sparkling wines at various price levels.

Read Labels Carefully: Pay attention to labels and descriptions. Look for terms like "Brut" for dry wines or "Demi-Sec" for slightly sweet ones. Understanding these labels will help you choose the style you prefer.

Don'ts:

Don't Always Go for the Most Expensive: While high-end Champagne can be exquisite, there are plenty of affordable sparkling wines that offer great quality. Don't feel pressured to splurge on the most expensive bottle.

Avoid Sweetness Overload: If you prefer dry wines, steer clear of sparkling wines labeled as "Doux" or "Sweet." Opt for Brut or Extra Brut for a drier taste.

Sparkling Wine Pairings

Pairing sparkling wine with the right foods can elevate your holiday dining experience. Here's what you should and shouldn't do when it comes to sparkling wine pairings:

Dos:

Appetizers and Canapés: Sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with appetizers like oysters, smoked salmon, and bruschetta. The acidity and effervescence cut through the richness of these dishes.

Creamy Dishes: Creamy pasta dishes or risotto are excellent choices to pair with sparkling wine, especially if you're serving a Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

Light Desserts: Opt for sparkling wine when serving light desserts like fruit tarts, sorbet, or pavlova. The wine's sweetness complements these treats.

Don'ts:

Avoid Heavy Red Meats: Sparkling wine's delicacy is best appreciated with lighter dishes. Avoid pairing it with heavy red meats, as it may not stand up to the flavors.

Salty Snacks: While sparkling wine can pair well with some salty snacks, be cautious with extremely salty foods, as they can overpower the wine's flavors.

Serving Sparkling Wine with Style

Now that you've selected your sparkling wine and planned your pairings, let's discuss the dos and don'ts of serving it with style:

Dos:

Chill Properly: Serve sparkling wine chilled but not ice-cold. A temperature of around 45-48°F (7-9°C) is ideal. Use a wine bucket filled with ice to maintain the right temperature.

Use Flute Glasses: Opt for flute glasses or tulip-shaped glasses when serving sparkling wine. These glasses help retain the bubbles and concentrate the aromas.

Mind the Pour: Pour sparkling wine gently down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. Aim for a two-thirds full glass to allow room for the aromas to develop.

Don'ts:

Avoid Wide Glasses: While wide wine glasses are great for red wines, they are not suitable for sparkling wine. They allow the bubbles to dissipate quickly.

Don't Shake the Bottle: Avoid shaking the bottle before opening. Instead, hold it firmly and twist the cork gently to release the pressure with a soft "pop."

Sparkling Wine Storage and Preservation

To make the most of your sparkling wine collection during the holidays and beyond, it's essential to store and preserve it correctly:

Dos:

Store Bottles Horizontally: Store your sparkling wine bottles on their sides to keep the cork moist and maintain the seal.

Use a Wine Stopper: If you have leftover sparkling wine, use a wine stopper to preserve the fizziness for the next day.

Don'ts:

Avoid Frequent Temperature Changes: Keep your sparkling wine away from frequent temperature fluctuations, as this can affect its quality.

Don't Store Near Strong Odors: Sparkling wine can easily absorb odors from its surroundings, so avoid storing it near strong-smelling substances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sparkling wine can be the perfect companion for your holiday celebrations, but it's essential to choose, pair, and serve it correctly. 

If you have any questions or need assistance in selecting the perfect sparkling wine for your holiday festivities, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Donzella Wines. You can contact us at 123-471-3655 or via email at [email protected]. We're here to help you make your holidays sparkle!