Lifestyle
Sparkling Wine for Christmas
What to Sip, Share, and Celebrate with During the Holidays
October 23, 2025
The magic of Christmas calls for something equally enchanting in the glass, and few styles elevate the occasion like sparkling wine. Popping the cork on something bubbly is a surefire way to turn ordinary holiday moments into extraordinary memories, as well as play into the festive seasonal spirit—and those in the know are aware that delicious, high-quality sparklings go far beyond Champagne.
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“Their versatility, value, and presentation make non-Champagne sparklings a practical yet impressive choice for holiday entertaining and gifting,” Koblitz affirms. However, as with Champagne, selecting the perfect bottle of bubbly involves a bit more than meets the eye. Knowing a thing or two about the various sparkling wine categories is the best way to know which style’s distinct characteristics will best complement your festivities, as well as inform you as to what to expect from within. Curious to learn more? Let our experts lead the way.
Understanding Sparkling Wine Styles for the Holidays
Brut Nature / Zero Dosage - 0-3 g/L of sugar
Extra Brut - 0-6 g/L of sugar
Brut - 0-12 g/L of sugar
Extra Dry - 12-17 g/L of sugar (yes—despite the name, Extra Dry is actually slightly sweeter than Brut!)
Dry - 17-31 g/L of sugar
Demi-Sec - 32-50 g/L of sugar
Doux - 50+ g/L of sugar
Brut sparkling dominates the market, and for good reason: its dry, crisp profile provides remarkable versatility throughout your holiday menu. This classic style balances subtle fruit notes with refreshing acidity, making it an ideal companion from appetizers through dessert. However, Extra Brut and Brut Dosage bottlings equally make for great, food-friendly bottles for those looking for something with a bit more zestiness.
In terms of additional sparkling wine vocabulary to know, Blanc de Blancs wines are made entirely from white grapes, most commonly from just Chardonnay. Their bright acidity cuts through rich holiday dishes while maintaining sophistication—perfect for those memorable Christmas morning mimosas or afternoon celebrations. A great example is SAMsARA's Blanc de Blancs, which promises to deliver elegance to your Christmas table with its delicate citrus and white flower aromas alongside a lighter, more refined texture.
For those seeking bolder flavors, Blanc de Noirs delivers intensity and structure. Their rich, fruit-forward flavors of red berries, baked apple, and warm spices perfectly complement traditional holiday flavors, and their versatile food-friendliness makes them an ideal companion for everything from roasted meats and creamy sauces to aged cheeses and beyond. For a reliable expression that overdelivers for the pierce, look no further than Nysa Vineyard Blanc de Noirs Sparkling 2017.
Additionally, rosé sparkling adds a pop of color to holiday festivities— though beyond aesthetics, these bubblies offer complex flavor profiles ranging from delicate strawberry and raspberry to deeper notes of blood orange and rose petals. The production method—either blending red wine or allowing brief skin contact—determines the intensity of both color and flavor. Check out Michel-Schlumberger Sparkling Rosé NV and Amista Vineyards Brut Nature Rosé Sparkling Mataró NV for two crowd-pleasing examples.
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner calls for sparkling wine selections that complement, rather than compete with, your menu. “Sparkling wine is an excellent choice for holiday dinners because it brings both festivity and versatility to the table,” Koblitz says, emphasizing that bubbles create a celebratory atmosphere, instantly signaling that the meal is a special occasion, while also remaining a great match for a variety of foods.
“The bright acidity and effervescence of sparkling wine make it remarkably food-friendly, cutting through rich, creamy dishes, balancing savory-sweet flavors, and refreshing the palate between bites,” she says, making them an ideal for pairing with a wide range of holiday fare, from roasted meats and buttery sides to seafood and salty appetizers.
Appetizer Course Excellence
Start your celebration with lighter styles of sparkling wine to awaken the palate. Brut sparkling excels with classic holiday starters, from smoked salmon canapés to oysters on the half shell, cheese gougères, and more. The wines’ acidity simultaneously cuts through richness, while complementing more subtle nuances and flavors.
Sommsation Recommends: Second Line Wines Parasol Brut NV
Main Course Mastery
Roasted poultry benefits from sparkling wine with a bit more structure and complexity. Vintage bottlings develop secondary notes of brioche, honey, and toasted nuts that evoke the flavors of holiday stuffing and glazes.For ham glazed with honey or brown sugar, rosé sparkling creates magical harmony. The wine's red fruit character pairs beautifully with sweet-savory glazes, while its effervescence refreshes the palate between bites.
Sommsation Recommends: Nysa Vineyard Blanc de Noirs Sparkling 2017
Dessert Finale
Traditional Christmas pudding or fruit-based desserts call for something with a bit of sweetness, though with enough acidity to eschew any cloying notes. Look to demi-sec sparklings for fruit-based desserts or a structured Blanc de Noirs for pairing with all things chocolate.
Sommsation Recommends: Breathless Sparkling Wines Moscato NV
Additionally, Koblitz notes that sparkling wine’s range of styles, from dry to slightly sweet, ensures there is something to suit every guest’s palate, while its versatility allows a single bottle to accompany the meal from hors d’oeuvres through dessert.
Serving Champagne Like a Professional
Temperature control ensures that your sparkling wine shows its best. The ideal serving temperature (between 45°F and 48°F) preserves delicate aromas while maintaining proper effervescence. Achieve this through 30 minutes in an ice bucket filled equally with ice and water, or three hours in your refrigerator's main compartment.
The Art of Opening
Professional technique ensures safety and preserves those precious bubbles. Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage while keeping your thumb firmly on the cork. Hold the bottle at 45 degrees, grip the cork firmly, and rotate the bottle—not the cork. The goal: a gentle whisper rather than a dramatic pop, preserving maximum effervescence for your guests' enjoyment.
Glassware Matters More Than You Think
While flutes remain traditional, many sommeliers recommend tulip-shaped glasses or white wine / universal glasses, as the wider bowls allow complex aromas to develop while still maintaining adequate bubble formation. “The ideal glassware for sparkling wine enhances both the visual appeal and the tasting experience,” Koblitz says. Check out her sparkling wine glass breakdown here:
Tulip Glasses
Tulip glasses are widely regarded as one of the best options for sparkling wines. Their gently tapered bowl and narrow rim allow the bubbles to rise gracefully while concentrating the wine's aromas toward the nose. This shape provides enough surface area for the wine to express its flavors without causing the effervescence to dissipate too quickly. Many sommeliers and wine enthusiasts prefer tulip glasses for their ability to balance aroma, flavor, and carbonation.
Champagne Flutes
Flutes are the classic choice for sparkling wines, especially in celebratory settings. Their tall, narrow design showcases the rising bubbles and maintains the wine's chill. However, flutes can limit the wine's exposure to oxygen, which may suppress some of its aromatic qualities. While they offer a visually striking presentation, they might not be the best for savoring the full complexity of the wine.
Coupe Glasses
Coupe glasses, with their shallow, wide bowls, are often associated with vintage glamour. They allow for a large surface area, which can enhance the aroma and flavor profile of the wine. However, the increased exposure to air can cause the bubbles to dissipate more rapidly, leading to a less effervescent experience. Coupe glasses are best suited for quick sips and aesthetic appeal rather than prolonged enjoyment.
Universal Wine Glasses
For those seeking versatility, universal wine glasses can be a practical choice. Their design accommodates various wine types, including sparkling wines. While they may not enhance the sparkling wine experience as much as tulip glasses, they offer convenience and are suitable for casual settings.
Pro tip: Pour your sparkling wine in two stages to prevent overflow and preserve bubbles:
- Initial pour: Fill glass one-third full and allow foam to settle
- Final pour: Top up to two-thirds full for optimal aroma concentration
- Never fill completely: Leave room for aromas to collect and bubbles to dance
Storage after opening requires specific attention. Sparkling wine stoppers—not regular wine stoppers—maintain pressure and preserve effervescence for 24-48 hours. Keep opened bottles upright in the refrigerator, as horizontal storage increases surface area exposure and accelerates bubble loss. Premium sparklings often improve with brief aeration, revealing hidden complexity as they warm slightly in the glass.
Budget-Friendly Bubbly Options
Great sparkling wine doesn't always demand a premium price tag, as many exceptional producers craft outstanding bottles that deliver authentic experiences without straining holiday budgets. Here are a few of our experts’ go-to picks for the holiday season:
Opolo Vineyards Sparkling Wine ($16.00) - Opolo's sparkling wine is refreshing, light golden in color and full of flavor with pronounced ribbons of bubbles. The palate holds effervescent notes of peach and apple that lead to a delightful finish. The sparkling is perfect for an afternoon poolside or the enjoyment of your finest celebrations.
Cascina Le Doti Brut NV ($37.00) - Despite its reasonable cost, this sparkling wine benefits from extended aging in chalk cellars, developing remarkable complexity. Aromatics of citrus along with green apple. Brioche and notes of lemon oil on the palate. Soft acidity along with yeast notes make up a pleasing finish.
Breathless Sparkling Wines Blanc de Blancs NV ($39.00) - A budget-friendly triumph! Aromas of tropical fruits, pineapple. Crisp apple, light pear, kiwi and a slight hint of caramel in the mouth. Finishing with light tropical notes.
Pro tip: Timing your sparkling wine purchases strategically maximizes value during the holiday season. Be sure to take advantage of pre-holiday sales and shipping discounts like those featured on Sommsation, and consider purchasing in bulk for case discounts.
Luxury Sparkling for Special Gifting
Premium sparkling wine can transform a simple gift into an unforgettable gesture. “Sparkling wine makes an exceptional holiday gift because it’s both thoughtful and universally celebratory,” says Koblitz, highlighting that the wines’ effervescence and festive presentation convey a sense of joy and occasion, making it feel special even before it’s opened.
“Sparkling wine is versatile, appealing to a wide range of tastes, so you can confidently gift it without worrying too much about individual preferences,” she says. Whether given to friends, family, or colleagues, sparkling wine embodies celebration, warmth, and the spirit of the season, making it a gift that is both meaningful and memorable. Not sure where to begin? Check out three of our expert sommeliers’ favorites for the season here:
En Garde Sparkling Red 2018 ($65.00) - Graceful and refined, this new Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon is a modern twist on a timeless classic – a unique gift for the red wine lover in your life! Delicate bubbles lift bright notes of fresh raspberry, subtle floral undertones, and a whisper of soft spice, creating a wine that's as refreshing as it is sophisticated. Light in body yet full of character, it's perfect for brunch, intimate gatherings, or simply adding a touch of sparkle to any moment.
Hawk and Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Sparkling Rosé 2021 ($75.00) - Bright flavors of white and red cherries, dense but refreshing dark berry, spice, cassis, strawberries with hints of rose petals to finish. The nose has a similar profile, maybe a touch higher intensity. Delicious on the palate, well-integrated fruit, and balanced acidity.
Nysa Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2017 ($85.00) - With enticing aromas of brioche and pear, this sparkling wine does not disappoint on the palate with lively flavors of green apple and notes of white floral. The finish is refreshing with lingering flavors of lime zest and a hint of minerality.
This Christmas, let your sparkling wine selection reflect the joy and sophistication of the season. Whether you're toasting with family, impressing dinner guests, or gifting something truly special, the right bottle transforms holiday moments into cherished memories that last long after the final bubbles rise. Looking to elevate your wine journey beyond the holidays? Book a personalized wine tasting experience or explore our curated wine selections, where we bring the expertise of professional sommeliers directly to you.
