Michael Yeoman’s Top Ten tips for serving the perfect sparkling wines this Christmas

As we move into December we start to think about preparations for Christmas dinner, where to host, who to invite and plans to relax in front of the fire and Christmas tree with the family with fine wines and festive foods. One key consideration is the choice of wine, and with over a 100 vineyards in Sussex, some of which are world beaters, we are spoilt for choice this Christmas.  

Michael says: “If you are celebrating your Christmas dinner with a local or Norfolk turkey then why not splash out on a lovely bottle of English sparkling wine to toast with. The quality of English wine is now exceptional and well worth the investment for your Christmas lunch.”  

1. Choice of sparkling wine – You don’t have to spend a fortune for good wine however English Sparkling wine is the equivalent of a medium priced bottle of champagne. Typical price varies from £25 to £35 a bottle. 

2) Storing your sparkling wine – ideally store your wine horizontally as this ensures that the cork is kept moist and does not spoil the wine (corked).  

3) Preparing your sparkling wine – the ideal temperature for sparkling wine is 7 to 10 degrees centigrade. Any colder and you will restrict the smell on the nose or the taste in the palate. If you do chill a bottle of bubbles in the fridge, leave it out for 10 minutes to warm slightly. Never serve it in pre-chilled glasses (or you will lose some of the sparkle). 

4) Serving your sparkling wine – ideally serve your wine from cool storage into a sparkling wine bucket with half water and ice. Let the bottle cool between 15 minutes to half hour before serving. 

5) The Correct pour – always poor an initial glass of sparkling wine, not too much. Allow the mousse to rise to top and the settle before pouring a second time. In order to preserve your mousse, you should tilt the glass at 45 degrees. 

6) The Time of pour – Never pre pour your wines less than a couple of minutes before drinking, leaving your fizz standing will allow your wine to warm and lose it’s lovely mousse. 

7) Waiting for the CO2 to dissipate – do not drink your wine as soon as you pour as this is the point where the CO2 is at its maximum level and can irritate the nerve centre in your cheek. Hold yourself, wait a minute or two! 

8) Enjoy the taste – let the bubbles roll over your tongue and around your palate to fully appreciate your wine. 

9) Taste your wine over time – take time to savour the way your wine changes with variations in temperature and CO2 level, a bland wine that is too cold can flourish as it warms and develops. 

10) For left over fizz – if you have a any sparkling wine left over always secure with a stopper as the old spoon in the top of the bottle is scientifically proven not to work. 

Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all you all! Cheers Michael 

Michael Yeoman is a local online wine retailer shares his ideas and thoughts for the festive period. Michael will be launching his new wine business this month in time for Christmas;   

Brighton and Hove Wine Club – www.brightonandhovewineclub.co.uk 

English Wine Box – www.englishwinebox.com