Store and Serve Champagne and Sparkling Wine Properly for Best Results

It seems hard to believe, but 2011 comes to a close on Saturday. If you’re planning to host or attend a New Year’s Eve party, sparkling wine and Champagne will almost certainly be the beverage of choice.

The proper storage and serving technique for these wines is just as important as the wine itself. Here are a few easy tips that will all help to maximize your enjoyment of this festive libation:

• Champagnes and sparkling wines are at their best when served cold. The experts recommend a temperature of around 45 degrees, which can be achieved by refrigerating the bottle for about four hours.

If you need a quicker chill-down, don’t ever put the bottle in the freezer. Instead, pop it into a bucket of half water, half ice for a good 30 to 60 minutes. Just remember to have a towel or cloth nearby when pouring to catch the drips.

• Although it sounds great, popping the cork should be discouraged because it wastes bubbles. With the bottle tilted at a 45-degree angle, hold the cork and turn the bottle until it lets out a gentle sigh.

• Serve your wine in a fluted glass. Not only will this enhance the presentation, but the rising bubbles will help lift the aroma up near the surface of the wine.

Here are some suggestions for sparkling wines I’ve enjoyed as of late that you may wish to consider serving:

The Woodbridge Winery Brut Sparkling (about $10) packs plenty of punch for a sparkler at this price level. Granny Smith apple, pear, and lemony flavors combine with a splash of acidity for a crisp, clean finish. The Woodbridge Extra Dry Sparkling provides essentially the same flavor profile with a bit more sweetness at the same price.

With its striking, coral color, enticing bouquet and complex flavors, the J Vineyards & Winery Brut Rosé (about $28) is a feast for the senses. Fresh apple and stone fruit aromatics lead off, with elegant flavors of strawberry, cherry and bright raspberry and a whisper of hazelnut. Also notable: the J Cuvée 20 (about $24) with notes of citrus, toasted almond and zingy lime on a lengthy finish.

And don’t forget to “buy local” by purchasing the Masquerade Wine Company Effervescing Elephant 2007 Sparkling Wine (about $35). With an aroma of brioche, plenty of tangy apple flavors and a faintly honey-like finish, it makes an excellent pairing partner with spicy and deep-fried foods. The tasting room is located at 2001 Iowa Street in Bellingham.

Wine Note: The long awaited, much anticipated opening of Dynasty Cellars new tasting room at 2169 East Bakerview Road has arrived. New hours are from 1:00 to 6:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Cheers and Happy New Year!