FAQ

Similar to a bottle of wine, a standard bottle of champagne or sparkling wine typically provides around 5 glasses. However, if you opt for flutes, you might squeeze out an extra glass or two as they tend to hold less liquid.

Volume 3.7K; KD 6

The glass can matter if you want to get the best experience. But what matters even more is that you enjoy yourself. So it’s not something to stress over. Your bubbles will taste great in any glass (except maybe a red solo cup). That said, if you have options, here are some basic guidelines:

• Champagne Tulip: These glasses are made specifically for champagnes and are what we use most in our home.
• White Wine Glass: Surprisingly, these are the best choice and generally equal to using a champagne tulip. So go ahead and use what you already have!
• Coupe: Fun, festive, and very Gatsby-esque, but be careful not to spill in a crowd. Also, drink quickly because the bubbles tend to dissipate rapidly in a coupe.
• Flutes: They bubble forever due to their narrow shape. However, this same shape makes it difficult to experience the true flavors and aromas of champagne. Flutes are great for proseccos and champagne cocktails though!

Remember, the glass you choose shouldn't overshadow the joy of sipping champagne. So pick one that feels right to you and let the bubbles work their magic! Cheers!

Volume: 500; KD 7

Opening a bottle of champagne is always a feel-good moment, and there's no need to be nervous. Here's how to make it easier and avoid any unexpected cork encounters:

1. Remove the foil and twist open the muselet (the wire cage), but leave it on the bottle.
2. Very important! Once the cage is undone, always keep a hand or finger on the cork so you can feel if it starts coming out on its own. 
3. Hold the bottle at a 45° angle, always pointed away from any person.
4. Hold the cork firmly (leaving the wire cage on makes this easier) and slowly twist the bottle, not the cork. This will give you better control over the cork's release.
5. As the cork comes out, it should emit a gentle hiss or the sound of lightly popping the inside of your cheek with a finger.

The alternative and faster method of opening a bottle is using a saber, but we’ll cover sabering in a different section 🙂

Volume 3.6K; KD 20

Ah, champagne! I could talk for hours and write pages about what it is and why it’s so amazing to drink, but this is an FAQ and requires a super abbreviated answer.

Champagne is a sparkling wine coming from the region of Champagne, France. It is produced using the champagne method, it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, creating those delightful bubbles we can’t get enough of.

But champagne is more than just a drink – it's a mood-lifter, a day-brightener. It has the power to make a great day better and to turn a bad day around. So why not make every day better and have a glass of this effervescent elixir?

Joining our champagne club you'll embark on a journey of discovery and delight. Each month, you'll receive a carefully curated selection of champagne and sparkling wines, expanding your palate and deepening your appreciation for this magical drink. It's literally having a champagne adventure delivered right to your doorstep.

Cheers to making everyday extraordinary!

Volume 3.1K; kd 23

Sparkling wines can last for several days. Yes, it’s true!

Just like its cousin, still wine, most champagne and sparkling wines can easily last 3 days or even longer. Proseccos & Pet Nats last a little less time but still a respectable 2-3 days. How? Save your bubbles and bottles by using a proper Champagne Stopper immediately after pouring and by keeping the bottle cold. No reason to hesitate in popping a bottle open. You can enjoy your champagne and don't have to feel pressured (pun intended, go ahead and groan but admit it’s funny😆) to finish it in one sitting. 

 Volume 2.1K; KD 8

The color of champagne and sparkling wines will vary depending on the specific grapes, the blend, the age and style of the wine. These are a couple of the more common colors you’ll see in champagne.

1. The most common colors you'll encounter in champagne or sparkling wine are pale straw, lemon green, gray gold or white gold. These colors will apply to a majority of sparkling wines and champagnes.  
2. Yellow gold and old gold colors that shimmer and glow like liquid sunshine are indicative of age. Vintage champagnes display golden hues that are richer and deeper shades that evoke warmth and luxury. 
3. Pale pink, deep pink, salmon tones and coppery tones are all different shades of a bottle of rosé. A good tip to remember is that the color of a rosé wine is not an indicator of its quality or sweetness, but reflects only the style and method the winemaker chose for that bottle. 

You can mostly (but not always) expect the taste and complexity of champagnes to match their color. Just as the color of champagne varies, so does its taste profile. From the very light pale colors of Proseccos and young sparkling wines to the deep gold of aged champagne, the flavors and aromas will also range from lighter to deeper and more complex. As you explore and taste the different colors, through your sparkle-ist boxes, you’ll discover how each offers its own unique charm and character.

Volume 1.6K; kd 3

Prepare to be pleasantly surprised! When it comes to alcohol content, champagne and sparkling wines march to a slightly lighter beat than their still wine counterparts. It's like they're saying, "Let's keep the party going, but in a classy and balanced way."

Now, here's the deal: Your average red wines will typically come in at 13% to 16% alcohol content, and white wines will be between 11.5% and 14%. Sparkling wines take a slightly more mellow approach. They typically sparkle around 10.5% to 12.5% alcohol.

So, if you're looking for a sip that won’t just go to your head, champagne and sparkling wines have got your back. They'll bring the bubbles and just the right amount of alcohol to keep things delightfully balanced. Cheers to that!

Volume 1.4K; KD 5

Yes,  we are pleased to offer two alcohol free sparkling wines, made from organic wines in France, which have undergone a manual dealcoholization process to respect the integrity of flavors in a 0.0% alcohol sparkling wine. These are not the sparkling ciders alternatives you may have had or seen at the local store. These are sophisticated and elegant with flavor profiles that match the quality of real sparkling wine. They were also awarded World’s Best Alcohol-free at the World Sparkling wine awards!  

(No data here but this will be helpful for your customers.)

Sparkling wine and champagne can be sensitive. To maintain their quality and freshness there are a few key things to remember and watch for when storing your bottles. These same rules apply to all wines as well whether, still or sparkling. 

1. Keep it cool, or at least avoid heat: Champagne prefers a cool and consistent temperature. Ideally store your bottles in a dark place with a steady temperature. If you have a basement, that’s usually best. If you’re in an apartment or condominium try to avoid temperature fluctuations. That means don’t store bottles in the kitchen. Wine fridges, closets and bedrooms are best. 
2. Shield from sunlight (and if possible light in general): Champagne and all wines are sensitive to light, especially UV rays, which can degrade its flavor and color over time. Store your bottles away from direct sunlight or intense artificial light sources.
3. Minimize vibration: Vibrations can disturb the sediments in champagne and affect its aging process. Keep your bottles away from appliances, stairways or machinery.
4. Avoid strong odors: Avoid storing bottles near strong-smelling substances like cleaning products, spices, or perfumes to preserve their pristine aromas.
5. Be aware of humidity: While moderate humidity is fine, excessive humidity can damage labels and affect the cork. 
6. Short term, stand them up, long term lay them down: Here is where sparkling wines and still wines differ. Because of the pressure in the bottle, sparkling wines do not have to be stored laying down. However, if storing for an extended period, meaning years, lay them down. Just as with still wine, storing horizontally helps keep the cork moist, minimizes the risk of oxidation and helps maintain the carbonation.

Be aware of storing and wine for too long! The best way to maintain quality is to go ahead and drink it!  See the FAQ “How long does champagne last” for more. 

 Volume 1.1K; kd 8

When it comes to crafting the perfect mimosas, selecting the right champagne or sparkling wine does make a difference. 

1. Brut Nature or Extra Brut: Avoid sweet champagne or sparkling wine when making mimosas. Anything below a Brut is perfect. They will allow the flavors of the juice to come through without overwhelming sweetness.

2. Crisp and Refreshing: Look for champagnes or sparkling wines that have a crisp and refreshing profile. Having vibrant acidity and bright citrus notes will complement the flavors of the orange juice.

3. Effervescence: The bubbles contribute to the fun of a mimosa. Seek out a champagne or sparkling wine with persistent and lively bubbles to enhance the overall experience. A simple rule of thumb is avoid really cheap bottles because their bubbles will not last once mixed with juice.  

5. Price Point: Since mimosas combine champagne with juice, it's not necessary to splurge on the high end bottles. Look for reasonably priced champagnes or sparkling wines that still offer quality and flavor suitable for mixing. A Prosecco, Cava or Crémant are good options and can be reasonably priced.

With these qualities in mind, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delightful mimosas that will impress at any brunch gathering.

Volume 1K; kd 15

Brut is a term that refers to the sweetness, or dosage, level of a champagne. These are the different levels of sweetness in champagne and these terms will always be indicated somewhere on the lable. The sugar is listed in grams per liter (g/l)

• Brut Nature/Zero dosage: < 3 g/l of sugar. The driest level, virtually no added sugar.
• Extra Brut: < 6 g/l. Still very dry, but with a touch more sugar.
• Brut: < 12 g/l of. The most common style.
• Extra Sec/Extra Dry: 12-17 g/l Despite the name, these champagnes are slightly sweet.
• Sec/Dry: 17-32 g/l Noticeably sweeter.
• Demi-Sec: 32-50 g/l Demi-Sec (often served with dessert)
• Doux: More than 50 g/l Very sweet and less commonly produced. 

 Volume 1K; kd 22

The champagne method! Here's a simplified explanation of how it comes to life and note this applies to any sparkling wine that says it was made in the champagne method or méthode champenoise:

Base Wine: Grapes are harvested and the grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice, which undergoes fermentation to become a still wine. This base wine serves as the foundation for champagne.

2nd Fermentation: The crucial step comes next. The base wine goes into bottles and a special mixture called liqueur de tirage (consists of sugar and yeast) is added to each bottle. This kick-starts a second fermentation in the bottle. 

Bubbles: The byproduct of the fermentation is CO2 and because the bottle is capped, the CO2 is trapped. Voila! You have the bubbles! 

On the Lees: The capped bottles are now stored and left to age. The yeast cells have died and are called lees. This time period which can last for months or years, is referred to as resting or aging on the lees. By law, in champagne, they must rest a minimum of 15 months for non-vintage and 36 months for vintage champagne. 

Riddling and disgorgement: After aging is complete, the bottles undergo a process called riddling. They are gradually rotated and tilted, allowing the sediment to settle in the neck of the bottle. The sediment is then removed through disgorging which leaves behind clear and vibrant champagne.

Dosage and Corking: The last step is adjusting the sweetness level by adding a small amount of wine and sugar, known as dosage, to achieve the desired final balance and style. The bottle is corked and some will then be released and others will undergo additional time in the cellars. It all depends on the winemaker's choice for when they believe it will drink at its best.  

The full journey of a bottle of champagne is one of patience and artistry. What the winemakers can create and what they can achieve is simply amazing. The growers champagnes we feature are art in a bottle and we love to acknowledge the skill and effort it takes to create these wonderful and sparkling wines, cheers!! 

Volume 800; kd6

On average, a 5 oz glass of champagne contains around 114 to 124 calories.

In wines, the alcohol and sugar levels influence calorie counts. Champagne and sparkling wines typically range from 10.5% to 12.5% alcohol, lower than that of still red and white wines.

To keep your calorie count on the lower side, opt for dryer champagnes like brute nature or extra brut. Brut champagnes can also be dry but have a wider range. You can find more details on "What is Brut champagne?".

If you're looking to enjoy champagne while keeping an eye on your calorie intake, lean towards dryer styles and cheers to sipping without worrying too much about the calories!

Volume 700; kd 7

Prosecco is a sparkling wine hailing from the scenic vineyards in the Veneto region of Italy. Unlike Champagne, Prosecco has its own distinct personality and style.

Prosecco is known for its approachability and light-hearted nature. It's made using the Charmat method, where the secondary fermentation, responsible for those bubbles, takes place in large stainless steel tanks. This method results in sparkling wines that are known for being fresh, and filled with fruity character. Proseccos often have flavors of green apples, pears, citrus and floral notes as well which are all indicative of the Glera grape from which they are made  

They are best enjoyed within the first year of being released, while young and fresh and they are not meant to be stored for any significant length of time.  

Volume 12K; kd 22

Both Champagne and Prosecco have their own allure and can elevate any moment of your day. Whether you prefer the elegance of Champagne or the lively nature of Prosecco, each has its own unique attributes.

Origin: Each bubbly comes from their own exclusive region. Champagne comes from the Champagne region in France, while Prosecco comes from northeastern Italy. Their distinct terroirs give them very different characteristics and flavor profiles.

Grapes: Champagne is primarily made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, which can create many diverse and complex blends. Prosecco is made predominantly from only one grape, Glera, known for its crisp and fruity characteristics..

Production Method: Champagne is made in the champagne method, where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle. This method is key to its more elegant bubbles and rich complexity. Prosecco is made in the Charmat method, with the secondary fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks. This method is much faster and creates a fresh and fruit-forward style with vibrant bubbles.

Taste: Champagne has its refined elegance, often showing notes of brioche, citrus, and delicate minerality and layers of complexity. Prosecco boasts a more approachable and fruit-driven style, featuring flavors of green apple, pear, and hints of floral notes.

The different methods of production mean that Prosecco can be harvested, bottled and on the shelf much faster, at a higher volume and much lower price point than champagne. 

Volume 300; kd 18

You’ll embark on a sparkling adventure like no other. Just imagine strolling through a local farmers market, savoring the taste of fresh, high-quality produce from small farmers that you won’t find in a grocery store. That same sense of discovery and support awaits you here.

As a Sparkle-ist member, you'll receive carefully selected bottles with crisp, clean flavors that reflect the artistry of generations. We prioritize working with producers who follow sustainable practices and respect the land. By joining us, you'll indulge in exceptional Grower Champagnes, Cavas, Crémants, Proseccos, Franciacortas, Sekts, New World Sparkling wines, and Pet-Nats.  You'll explore unexpected flavors, from countries you may not have expected and learn to appreciate the complexity of sparkling wine.

Our aim is to guide you on a journey of sparkling wine appreciation, sharing our knowledge and passion along the way. With each monthly delivery, you'll discover the wonders of this effervescent world and support small-scale winemakers who pour their hearts into their craft.

Sparkling wine is a captivating, and often misunderstood, category of wine that's all about the bubbles!

Sparkling wine is made in a unique process where carbon dioxide is trapped in the bottle, creating the bubbles. The bubbles can be achieved using various methods, such as the champagne method,  (traditional method), charmat method, ancestral method or carbonation.

Sparkling wines come in a wide range of styles, from dry to sweet, and are made from many different grape varieties. The most famous example of sparkling wine is, of course, Champagne. However, sparkling wines are produced in many other regions around the world, including Prosecco from Italy, Cava from Spain, Sekt from Germany and many other countries across the globe. 

There are thousands of sparkling wines produced around the world. As a member of our Sparkle-ist club, you'll discover the wonders of sparkling wines. We curate a selection that spans the globe, sourcing from small artisanal producers who pour their heart and soul into creating amazing bottles or bubbles.

Volume 1K; kd 27

All effervescent and bubbly wines, regardless of their origin, fall under the umbrella of sparkling wines. This includes champagne. The distinction lies in the fact that only the bubbles originating from the Champagne region in France can be called champagne. So, while all champagnes are sparkling wines, not all sparkling wines can be called champagne. It's a sparkling world out there, and we’re here it to help you discover it!

Volume 2.4K; kd 20

Club member shipments: Monthly Sparkle-ist shipments are sent out the first week of each month. New members who join Sparkle-ist before the 1st of the month will receive the upcoming club shipment. If you join early in a month and just can’t wait for your bubbles (we understand. we couldn’t wait either) contact us and we’ll be happy to make arrangements for you.

Gift sets and individual orders: Orders will be processed within 2-3 business days. We’re a small business without Amazon style robots. It’s just us doing the work here by hand. Actually shipping times will vary depending on the carrier and the distance of the delivery address from Washington DC. Typically (but not guaranteed) East Coast orders will take 1-3 business days, Middle of the country, 2-4 business days and West Coast 3-5 business days. Need your bubbles even faster? Contact us and we’ll do our best to get you clinking glasses ASAP.

Please review our Shipping Policy for more information.

Amazon Prime has spoiled us all. We don’t want to inflate prices to cover all shipping variables and distances. Shipping costs are based on the weight of your box and your destination. These costs are added separately because we want every dollar of your membership fee to go exclusively towards providing you truly amazing sparkling wines.

At the time of delivery, the carrier will require someone over the age of 21 with ID to sign for the shipment. If you or your gift recipient are not able to sign for your shipment, we suggest having your shipment sent to an address where an adult 21 years of age or older is available to sign for it. You will receive tracking information and updates to help you with timing the arrival.

The delivery carrier will attempt to deliver to your address 3 times. Shipments are usually held for up to five business days at a UPS facility before being shipped back. If a shipment is returned to us you will be responsible for any extra shipping costs incurred.

Please review our refund policy for more information.

Your monthly payment is processed at the start of each month immediately before your shipment is processed and shipped.

Active members (Sparkle-ists) receive 10% of any additional individual bottles purchased. You can order bottles separately or have them added to your next monthly order. Keep in mind that because we work with smaller producers, many of the sparkling wines we order are in short supply. As a result our inventory will fluctuate. *Please note, gift sets are not eligible for discounts.

You have lots of control. You can change your address, add a credit card, adjust the frequency of shipments, skip a month, pause your account or cancel. Log into your account to manage these options or simply email us and we'll be happy to help.

If you have any other questions, please email us at lieven@sparkle-ist.com and we’ll get back to you promptly.