How to open sparkling wine correctly ?
Opening sparkling wine correctly is important to ensure that the wine retains its bubbles and is at the right temperature to be enjoyed. Here are the steps to properly open a bottle of sparkling wine:
- Chill the bottle: Sparkling wine should be chilled to around 45–50 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. This will help to keep the bubbles intact and make the wine more refreshing
- Remove the foil: Carefully remove the foil from the top of the bottle, taking care not to damage the cork.
- Remove the wire cage: The wire cage that surrounds the cork is there to keep the cork in place, you can remove it by twisting and lifting it off.
- Hold the cork: Hold the cork with one hand and the bottle with the other. Make sure the bottle is at a 45-degree angle, with the cork pointing away from you and any other person.
- Twist and ease out the cork: Hold the cork with one hand and twist the bottle with the other. Ease the cork out of the bottle by applying gentle pressure. You should hear a soft pop as the cork comes out. If the cork shoots out of the bottle, this means the wine has been agitated and the bubbles will be lost.
- Pour the wine: Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle and pour the wine gently into the glasses, making sure to avoid pouring the sediment that might be present at the bottom of the bottle.
- Enjoy your Sparkling wine: Sparkling wine is best enjoyed chilled and in flute glasses.
It’s important to note that sparkling wine, like Champagne, should be consumed as soon as it’s opened as the bubbles will start to escape and the wine will lose its effervescence over time.
Another tip is to be cautious when opening a bottle of sparkling wine, as the pressure inside the bottle can be quite high. Never open a bottle of sparkling wine with a “screw-cap” or “cork-free” closure, as those are not designed to withstand the pressure and could be dangerous.
In conclusion, opening a bottle of sparkling wine can seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of care and attention, you can easily open your bottle and enjoy the bubbles and flavors of your wine with your friends and family.