Glassware for Sparkling Wine
I like to think of glassware like speakers. The ones you choose are going to have an impact on your experience! Sparkling wine is inherently festive and therefore it deserves to be served in a special glass. Below are a few of my favorite glassware solutions for bubbles.
The Flute
The classic choice in glassware for sparkling wine, the flute is designed with a long, narrow bowl designed to minimize the surface area in contact with the wine, therefore prolonging the bubbles. As you know, serving sparkling wine ice cold is super important, so it’s always best to serve the wines in a glass with a stem to keep the heat from your hands as far away from the wine as possible.
My Pick: Zwiesel Glas Pure Tritan Crystal Stemware Collection Glassware, 7.3-Ounce
Why I Love It: Absolutely modern and elegant, this glass is amazing for serving any sparkling wine as well as sparkling wine cocktails. French 75, anyone? The angles are gorgeous and the glass is sturdy enough to make them dishwasher safe so there’s less breakage.
The Coupe
A classic throwback style of glass with that oh-so-Gatsby aesthetic. This also has a stem, but the bowl is quite wide. The larger surface area means the bubbles dissipate much quicker in a coupe. For this reason, I really don’t recommend using a coup for sparkling wine unless the aesthetic is your primary motivator. If you do use it for bubbly, I recommend pouring tiny amounts more frequently so the wine stays cold and fizzy. I do, however, LOVE a coupe for cocktail service!!
My Pick: CB2 Eve Coupe Glass, 10-Ounce
Why I Love It: The clean lines and sharp angles of this glass are so Art Deco. They are sturdy and gorgeous and can double as an extra fancy way to serve dessert!
Stemless Glassware
Since serving sparkling wine as cold as possible is so important, I don’t recommend using stemless glasses UNLESS you’re spending the afternoon soaking up the sun at the park, pool, or seaside. Then, and only then, do I give the thumbs-up for using stemless.
My Pick: Govino Stemless Plastic Flute Glasses, 8-Ounce
Why I Love It: Even though they don’t have stems, I just love the shape and concept of the plastic glasses from Govino. For those times when you’re away from your normal glass selection, they really are awesome. A couple of tiny caveats though: 1) they claim to be dishwasher safe, but I don’t recommend it! The heat from the dishwasher can be too much for the plastic and the shape can get distorted. 2) There’s a small impression on the side intended as a place for your thumb to rest when you’re holding it. The heat from your hand is going to transfer quickly into the wine and warm it up, which you don’t want! I recommend filling these only halfway at the most and holding them at the top instead.
Keep it clean!
Clean glassware is always so important when serving wine but it’s crucial when it comes to sparkling wine. Even a trace amount of dish soap or dust in the glass can have a negative effect on the quality of the bubbles and flavor of the wine. Rinse and polish your glasses thoroughly before each use.
Sparkling wine recommendations
When I come across a sparkling wine that has it all, I have to share it. Handley Estate Vineyard Brut Rosé 2016 is a fine blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made in the champagne method. The grapes are certified organic and the winery was founded by a trailblazer of a lady, Milla Handley back in the 1980s. A stunning sparkling rosé, this bottle comes to Denver through the distribution portfolio of Master Sommelier, Doug Krenik.