There's something magical about sparkling wines. The effervescence and elegance can elevate any occasion, whether it's a special milestone, a casual get-together, or a relaxing long weekend. In this blog, we'll explore the world of Ontario sparkling wines, including types of glassware to make the most of your bubbles, complementary food pairings, and the ideal temperature to serve your sparkling. Join us as we take you through the sparkling territory of Ontario's local wines to discover the perfect bubbly for your next celebration or everyday moment.
How to Enjoy Sparkling Wine to the Fullest
When it comes to enjoying sparkling wine, the right glassware can make a significant difference. The traditional flute glass captures the bubbles beautifully, while the retro coupe glass is making a comeback, adding nostalgia. Experiment with different glassware to find the one that suits your preferences. Here are 3 most common types of glassware to amplify the taste and aromas of your favourite sparkling wines:
Coupe glass: Shallow with a broad-bowled saucer, your bubbles will disperse quickly in this glass, making your sparkling wine taste softer and fruitier. Perfect for complex and richer-tasting sparkling that benefits from some aeration time.
Flute glass: A tall, thin glass, flutes are a classic choice and are ideal for bone-dry sparkling wines, like Brut. The narrow shape helps preserve the bubbles the best and makes enjoying a golden-hour aperitif or a special celebratory toast, even more special.
Tulip glass: Slightly wider than the flute, both your nose and palate will be pleased! This type of glassware is a great choice for serving fruity sparkling as it allows bubbles to form, and the wider bowl shape collects and enhances all the wonderful floral aromas and flavours.
Temperature to Serve Sparkling Wine
The best way to enjoy your sparkling wine is chilled. Temperature matters, and when it comes to bubbles, the ideal temperature is between 7 - 10°C, which is a couple hours in the fridge and you’re good to go! This temperature range helps to preserve the refreshing qualities and allows the flavours to shine.
Food to Pair with Sparkling Wine
When it comes to pairings, fizz loves food! So, pairing this versatile wine with a variety of dishes can be a fun and delightful experience. The sky is the limit, from seafood and spice to sweet and savoury. Here are some tasty combinations to try:
Appetizers: Think oysters, calamari, or smoked salmon. The acidity and bubbles in sparkling wine cleanse the palate, preparing it for the next delicious bite.
Main Courses: Lighter dishes such as grilled fish or roasted chicken go well with sparkling wines. For vegetarians, try a creamy risotto or a beetroot salad.
Spicy Foods: The bubbles and acidity perfectly balance foods with heat, from wonderful dishes like spicy Thai to Indian curries.
Desserts: Think pairing sweet with sweet is a mistake? Trust us, it can be magic! It's essential to ensure your dessert isn't sweeter than your wine, so fruit tarts or cream-based desserts work beautifully!
Cheese: Brie, Camembert, or other creamy cheeses can be complemented by the crisp acidity of a sparkling wine. For blue cheese fans, opt for a sweeter sparkling wine to offset the pungency of this cheese.
