English Wine Guide

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SERVING ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE: A GUIDE TO GLASSWARE AND PAIRINGS.

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English bubbly has really gained some serious street cred lately, giving even Champagne a run for its money in terms of status and popularity. Let’s face it, English sparkling wine is not cheap – so you’ll want to treat it properly to get the most from your tipple.

To truly savor this delicious drink, it’s important to know how to serve it like a pro. In keeping with the ethos of the English Wine Blog, I want to make it as easy as possible to understand how to serve English sparkling wine.

Let’s talk about enjoying English sparkling wine in style, from picking the right glasses to finding the best food to go with it.

What temperature should English sparkling wine be served at?

Temperature is super important for making the most of English sparkling wine. You want it to be nice and chilled, usually between 6°C and 8°C (43°F to 46°F).

This helps keep the bubbles and the crispness just right. You can pop the bottle in a bucket of ice and water for around 30 minutes before pouring, or just leave it in the bottom of your fridge for a few hours.

Whatever you do, do not put it in the freezer! I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. You might plan to retrieve it after 5 minutes, but if you forget the wine will be totally ruined.

How to open English sparkling wine?

Opening a bottle of English bubbles can be a bit intimidating, especially when you’ve got an audience. But, it’s really not that hard.

First, take off the foil and loosen the wire thing, while keeping it on the cork. Hold onto the cork and twist the bottle, not the cork, until the cork comes out smoothly.

You’re aiming to hear a little whisper, not a huge pop! You don’t want to waste any wine!

Choosing the right glass for English sparkling wine

I’m a firm believer that the glass you choose can significantly affect how the wine tastes and feels.

While traditional flutes have been popular because they enhance the visual appeal of the bubbles, wine experts now often recommend tulip-shaped glasses for English sparking line. These glasses are similar to flutes but have a wider bowl that narrows slightly at the top. This design allows more room for the wine’s aroma to develop while still showcasing the wine’s effervescence and directing the aroma to your nose, enhancing the tasting experience.

English Sparkling Wine is so unique that fancy glass maker Riedel, have invented a bespoke wine glass for English sparkling wine. The Velcoe English Sparkling wine glass was invented with wine makers from Kent and Sussex, specifically to show off the uniqueness of their wines.

A standard wine glass can also be a good choice for more aromatic sparkling wines, as it provides ample space for aroma release while maintaining the festive appeal of the bubbles.

Best glasses for English sparkling wine

Here are some of the best glasses for English sparkling wine.

The tulip flutes

The classic flute

The angular flute

The vintage flutes

This set of vintage style flutes are perfect for anyone looking for a vintage look, but without buying second hand.

Personally, one of my favourite pastimes is to browse in charity stores to look for classic vintage glassware. Champagne, or sparking wine glasses, are quite often found in thrift shops. I’ve collected some wonderful ones, and they cost a margin of the price of a new set. Plus, you can mix and match to create an eclectic collection of glasses.

The traditional saucer

The bouji saucer

The unbreakable glass – perfect for a picnic

Food pairings for English sparkling wine

The bubbly and zesty English sparkling wine is a great match for all sorts of delicious food. Check out these top pairings:

• Seafood: Sparkling wine goes great with seafood. Try it with oysters, shrimp, or a classic fish and chips for a yummy contrast in textures.
• Cheese: Sparkling wine and cheese are an awesome combo. Go for creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, which go really well with the wine’s acidity.
• Charcuterie: The saltiness and fattiness of charcuterie balance the acidity and bubbles of sparkling wine perfectly. Include some cured meats like prosciutto or salami on your platter.
• Light Pastas and Risottos: Dishes with a lighter, cream-based sauce or a simple olive oil dressing can enhance the flavors of the wine without overpowering it. This seafood risotto from Spruce Eats is one of my go-tos.
• Desserts: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, pair an English sparkling wine with desserts like lemon tarts or fresh fruit to complement the sweetness.

Hosting with English sparkling wine

When you’re hosting, serving English sparkling wine doesn’t just please your guests, it also adds a classy touch to your event. Serve the English sparkling wine first, so guests remember it.

Lay out different types of glasses so your guests can pick their faves, offer a range of tasty snacks, and savor the medley of flavors as you celebrate.

Where to next?

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