Festive Sparkling Wines For Christmas And New Year

The holiday season is the perfect time to pop open a bottle of bubbly and celebrate with friends and family. Whether you’re gathering around the Christmas tree, hosting a festive dinner, or ringing in the New Year, sparkling wines add a touch of elegance and joy to every occasion.

Let's explore the best festive sparkling wines to make your celebrations sparkle, with options to suit every palate and budget.

Prosecco: The Light And Fruity Favourite

Prosecco is a crowd-pleaser, offering a light, fruity, and approachable style that’s perfect for festive gatherings. With its refreshing notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, prosecco is versatile and pairs beautifully with appetisers, seafood, or a Christmas brunch.

• Top Pick: Il Caggio Prosecco - This elegant Italian prosecco delivers fresh, crisp flavours of pear, apple, and a hint of floral notes. Its lively bubbles and balanced sweetness make it a delightful choice for Christmas parties or New Year’s toasts. Perfect for pairing with light snacks, seafood, or festive finger foods.

Champagne: The Classic Celebration Bubbly

When it comes to luxurious celebrations, Champagne is the ultimate choice. Made in France’s Champagne region, it’s known for its complexity, fine bubbles, and ability to elevate any occasion. Whether you’re toasting on Christmas Eve or at midnight on New Year’s Eve, Champagne never disappoints.

• Top Pick: Veuve Clicquot Brut NV – With its rich flavours of brioche, citrus, and apple, Veuve Clicquot is a classic choice for any festive occasion. Its elegance and structure make it a perfect pairing with festive hors d'oeuvres or even Christmas dinner.

Cava: Spanish Sparkle At A Great Value

Cava, Spain’s answer to Champagne, is an excellent alternative if you're looking for something budget-friendly but still full of flavour. With its crisp acidity and flavours of orchard fruit, citrus, and toasty notes, cava is a fantastic option for toasting during your Christmas or New Year celebrations.

• Top Pick: Masia D'Or Brut Nature Cava - This dry, refreshing cava is an outstanding option for those who appreciate a crisp, clean finish. With lively bubbles and flavours of green apple, lemon, and a touch of almond, Masia D'Or Brut Nature pairs wonderfully with seafood, tapas, and light festive dishes. It’s a fantastic, wallet-friendly choice for your Christmas table.

Cremant: France's Hidden Gem

Cremant is a sparkling wine produced outside the champagne region using the same traditional methods, offering a more affordable yet elegant option. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy French sparkling wine without the champagne price tag.

• Top Pick: Jaffelin Cremant De Bourgogne Blanc De Blancs Brut NV – This exquisite cremant from Burgundy is crafted primarily from chardonnay grapes, resulting in a fresh and elegant sparkling wine. With notes of green apple, citrus, and delicate floral aromas, Jaffelin Cremant De Bourgogne has a fine effervescence that dances on the palate. It pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, seafood, or festive appetisers, making it an excellent choice for your holiday celebrations.

Rose Sparkling Wine: A Festive Twist

For something a bit different, try a sparkling rose. Its vibrant pink colour and delicate red fruit flavours make it a festive and visually appealing choice for holiday celebrations. Sparkling rose wines are versatile, pairing well with everything from turkey to fruit-based desserts.

• Top Pick: Bollinger Rose Champagne – This luxurious rose Champagne combines elegance with rich berry flavours and a creamy texture. It’s a beautiful choice for Christmas dinner or toasting the New Year with a touch of sophistication.

English Sparkling Wine: A Rising Star

English sparkling wines have gained international recognition in recent years for their quality and finesse. With cool climate conditions similar to champagne, England produces sparkling wines with crisp acidity and bright fruit flavours that are perfect for festive celebrations.

• Top Pick: Castle Brook Classic Cuvee – This award winning English sparkling wine from Herefordshire offers a beautiful blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes. With its bright acidity and flavours of green apple, citrus zest, and toasty brioche, Castle Brook Classic Cuvee is elegant and refreshing. It pairs wonderfully with festive dishes such as roasted turkey, creamy cheeses, or even as an aperitif to start your festive gatherings on a high note.

 Tips For Serving Sparkling Wine

• Chill Properly: Sparkling wine is best served chilled, at about 45–50°F (7–10°C). This enhances its crispness and ensures the bubbles are at their best.
• Use The Right Glass: While flutes are traditional, a white wine glass or tulip-shaped glass can also be used to help concentrate the aromas.
• Pour Gently: To preserve the bubbles, tilt the glass when pouring and fill it gradually.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the refined elegance of champagne, the light and fruity appeal of prosecco, or the value of cava, there’s a festive sparkling wine for every Christmas or New Year celebration. These sparkling wines not only bring a touch of festivity to your table but also pair perfectly with festive meals, canapes, or desserts.

So, pop the cork, raise a glass, and toast to a sparkling holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and good company!