Planning to surprise your guests with a splash of elegance at your new year party? All you have to do is serve sparkling wines to create an indulgent yet sophisticated experience. However, if you think you’ll have to rob a bank to serve bubblies at your party, then you clearly haven’t explored the world of Indian sparkling wines. In recent years, Indian sparkling wines have gained significant recognition for their quality and affordability, encouraging wine lovers to refine their palate and try as many sparkling wines as possible.
Now the key to a successful sparkling wine service at a party is to be prepared in advance. Make sure your glasses are clean and ready for service. While you can serve them in tall, graceful flute glasses, white wine glasses are a good option to serve sparkling wines too, as they allow you to swirl your wine and unlock its bouquet of aromas. The next important step is to chill your sparkling wine before your guests arrive so they don’t have to wait for their first drink. Pop your wine bottle in an ice bucket to quickly bring down its temperature. If you have invested in a high-quality wine chiller, such as the one made by Carysil, you can pop your bottle in the wine cooler a couple of hours beforehand and then forget about it till its service time. Do keep in mind that the correct service temperature for sparkling wine is 6-10°C.
5 Indian Sparkling Wines For New Year Party
Casablanca Vino Spumante
India’s first Prosecco-style sparkling wine, is made from Chenin Blanc grape variety and crafted using the Charmat method, resulting in a light and approachable profile. It offers a generous fruity bouquet featuring kiwi and grapefruit, complemented by lime and floral undertones. On the palate, it delivers notes of pear and green apple, balancing its zingy acidity with a smooth texture and lingering finish. This versatile sparkling wine can be served alongside a charcuterie board with soft, creamy cheeses like camembert, brie and goat’s cheese.
Producer: Good Drop Wine Cellars
Price: ₹1400
Also Read: Best Imported Sparkling Wines For New Year Party
York Sparkling Cuveé Brut
India’s first Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, is meticulously crafted from 100 percent Chenin Blanc grapes sourced from the cooler regions of Nashik. It undergoes 14-18 months of bottle ageing on yeast lees, resulting in a refined and vibrant character. Its pale straw hue and fine bubbles introduce a bouquet of fresh citrus and green apple aromas, leading to a crisp, medium-bodied palate with a refreshing finish. This versatile sparkling wine serves as a perfect aperitif and pairs exceptionally well with mildly spicy paneer tikka or hot and crispy fish fingers.
Producer: York Winery
Price: ₹1350
Fratelli Gran Cuveé Brut
Meticulously crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise, this elegant blend comprises 80 percent Chenin Blanc, 15 percent Müller-Thurgau, and five percent Gewürztraminer. On the nose, it reveals lifted floral and mineral notes, accompanied by subtle bread-yeast aromas reminiscent of fine Champagne. The palate offers a delicate and creamy texture, with vibrant citrus flavours and the characteristic minerality, culminating in a crisp, refreshing finish. Order some sushi or whip up oily and crunchy paneer pakoras to pair with the wine perfectly.
Producer: Fratelli Wines
Price: ₹1390
Sula Vineyards Brut
Sula’s elegant sparkling wine is crafted predominantly from Chenin Blanc, with a touch of Riesling and Viognier. The sparkling wine greets you with enchanting aromas of ripe apples and juicy pears, mingling with subtle hints of citrus blossom. On the palate, Sula Brut NV is refreshingly crisp, offering a dance of orchard fruits complemented by a delicate minerality. The refreshing bubbly can be enjoyed with takeouts like French fries and fried chicken.
Producer: Sula Vineyards
Price: ₹1450
Grover Zampa Soirée Brut 2021
This distinguished sparkling wine from India’s Nandi Hills expresses fine bubbles and a persistent mousse. The nose reveals floral and fresh lemon aromas, complemented by hints of toasted bread and white fruits like pear. On the palate, it offers a light and creamy texture, with crisp acidity and a dry finish in the classic brut style. A versatile sparkling wine, its citrus notes pair quite well with dishes like lemon pepper chicken wings or a quick snack like papad with mango chutney.
Producer: Grover Zampa Vineyards
Price: ₹1375
Click here and visit the India Wines And Spirits Award website for more such wine recommendations