How to Open and Serve Sparkling Wine

I'm not as much of a stickler as a lot of wine people. However, there’s one cardinal rule when it comes to sparkling wine that simply can’t be broken and that’s the serving temperature. Sparkling wine needs to be served cold, cold, cold!

Technically, the recommended temperature is between 45° and 50°F. I recommend moving the bottle from the refrigerator to the freezer (just don’t forget about it!) or an ice bath 20-30 minutes before serving. The high acidity and refreshing style are always best expressed when served icy cold.

Another important reason to make sure your bottle is cold has to do with the pressure and risk of explosion. Think of when you leave a beer sitting out in the sun. When it gets hot, it can explode, right? Heat increases the pressure in the bottle. If the wine is even slightly warm or agitated, the cork can fly out and cause serious damage.

Also, let the bottle settle for a few days if it was shipped to you or has been through a long, bumpy car trip. If you just can’t wait, letting it chill in the freezer or ice bath will help a lot too. Just be extra mindful when you open it so it doesn’t overflow and waste that bubbly goodness!

How to Open Bubbly

I know that POP from a newly opened bottle of bubbly is fun and festive, but a true pro can open a bottle and barely make a sound. In the video below, I walk you through the steps of safely opening a bottle of sparkling wine without spilling a drop.

Sparkling wine recommendations