Danielle Whitehead, Head of Wine at leading English sparkling wine producer Roebuck Estates, shares her expert advice to help you master the art of serving the perfect glass of sparkle this Christmas.
There’s something unmistakeably magical about the pop of a cork at Christmas. The perfect glass of English sparkling wine has become more than just a celebratory drink – it’s a ritual that elevates the season’s most joyful moments. Whether it’s raising a toast with family around the table or sharing a glass with friends by the fire, nothing captures the sparkle of the season quite like a vintage fizz. Crafted with care and patience, each bottle tells the story of time, terroir and tradition, making every sip a remind that Christmas is as much as reflection as it is celebration.
Of course, with such a special pour, it’s essential to get the serve just right. The beauty of a vintage English sparkling wine will truly shine when it’s treated with the care it deserves. From ensuring the bottle is perfectly chilled to choosing the right glassware that allows the bubbles to dance, even the smallest details make a big difference. The angle of the pour, the temperature of the wine, and the shape of the glass all play a part in delivering that first, flawless sip.
Chilling
I suggest gently chilling your sparkling wine in the fridge for ideally 3-4 hours before you plan to serve it. Remove it 15 minutes before serving, depending on the ambient temperature. Alternatively, you can place the bottle in an ice bucket, half filled with water and ice, for 30 minutes before serving. This is a nice option if you’d prefer to have your sparkling wine on display when your guests arrive.
Temperature
Different styles of sparkling wine can benefit from slight variations in serving temperatures – lighter, fresher vintages often shine a touch cooler, while more complex, aged Cuvées reveal their depth when served a degree or two warmer.
For example, we recommend serving our Classic Cuvée and Rosé de Noirs at 8°C to enhance the refreshing qualities, and opting for 12°C when indulging in our Blanc de Noirs to reveal its full complexity and aromas. You can use a wine thermometer here to check if you want to be precise!
Pouring
When opening your bottle, aim to delight and not surprise your guests. Hold the bottle firmly at a 45-degree angle, keeping one hand on the base and the other hand covering the top of the cork. Remove the wirehood by twisting the wire tab. Five twists should suffice. Gently turn the bottle while firmly holding the cork, slowly easing it out and allowing the pressure to release gradually and safely.
Glassware
We always serve our Roebuck vintage sparkling wines in tulip-shaped glassware which accentuates the flavours and encourages a slow release of bubbles, providing the ideal taste experience. Make sure that the glass is clear and clean, with a thin rim for a smooth, elegant sip.
There has recently been lots of conversation around wine being served in a tumbler, or a glass without a stem. For sparkling wine particularly, we would always recommend using a sparkling wine glass with a stem, so the natural warmth of your hands doesn’t increase the temperature of the wine whilst enjoying it.
About the expert
Danielle Whitehead is Head of Wine at Roebuck Estates, bringing deep wine knowledge to one of England’s leading sparkling wine producers. After starting her career with Majestic Wine in her early twenties where she completed her WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits, Danielle went on to earn a BSc in Viticulture and Oenology, gaining hands-on experience at Château de Sours in France and Silver Oak Cellars in California’s Napa Valley wine region. At Roebuck Estates she plays an integral role on the blending team, working closely with their partner wineries to craft the blends for their highly acclaimed vintage sparkling wines, as well as regularly representing the Estate at major wine and lifestyle events. Roebuck Estates produces a selection of vintage English sparkling wine, including gift sets and personalisation. For more information, please visit roebuckestates.co.uk
