Swirling a glass of wine is almost second nature for many, a way to enhance the aromas and soften the flavors. For still wines like reds, whites, and rosés, swirling helps oxygenate the wine, bringing out its full complexity. But what happens when it comes to sparkling wine, where those delicate bubbles are part of the charm? Should you swirl, or should you simply sip and savor?
According to Devon Fleming, wine director at NYC’s East Village restaurant Nudibranch in his interview with Vinepair, the answer isn't straightforward. "The reason we swirl is to aerate the wine so you can be more exposed to the level of aromas coming from the glass," Fleming explains. "But in the case of sparkling wine, that's supposed to come from the bubbles. We're taught that swirling sparkling wine flattens the bubbles, so there's no real reason to swirl it heavily."
We're taught that swirling sparkling wine flattens the bubbles, so there's no real reason to swirl it heavily
However, not all sparkling wines are created equal. For example, a pét-nat or young bubbly might benefit from a gentle swirl to release its nuances, while a classic champagne might not need it. It's all about what you want from your glass—more aroma or more bubbles?
Champagne specialist Lucy Edwards has a different point of view. "When we judge champagne, the first thing we do it take a good hard look at the bubbles without touching the glass. The idea here is to assess the bead (bubble - size and trajectory), and make deductions on the age, vinification and quality of the wine. Then we swirl as much as possible to get RID of the bubbles. Ultimately if you enjoy the wine without effervescence, you will enjoy it even more with. So the idea here is to assess it as a wine first and a champagne second. However, if you're not in judging or blind tasting scenarios, you can do whatever the hell you want. As long as you enjoy the wine!"
Ultimately, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident in your wine choices. Wine should be about enjoyment, not rigid rules. Whether you swirl your sparkling wine or not, the key is to drink what you love and enjoy the experience. So, next time you pour yourself a glass of bubbly, remember—there's no faux pas here. Just do what feels right for you. Cheers to enjoying wine your way!
What is more important than swirling or not, is first of all, using the right glassware, and second, making sure you take the time to look, smell and savor the wine to the fullest.
If you are interested in learning more about champagne, book our Bubbliness Masterclass with Mimi.
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