How to make wine less sparkling

Sparkling wine is loved by many for its effervescence and celebratory nature. However, there may be occasions when you want to reduce the level of carbonation in your wine. Whether you prefer a more subdued fizz or have a that’s a bit too bubbly for your taste, there are several methods you can use to make your wine less .

1. Decanting method: One of the easiest ways to reduce the sparkle in your wine is to decant it. Pour the wine into a decanter and let it sit for a while, preferably a few hours or overnight. The agitation caused by the pouring process releases some of the carbon dioxide, resulting in a less sparkling wine. Keep in mind that this method may not completely eliminate the bubbles, but it can certainly make a noticeable difference.

2. Swirling method: Similar to the decanting method, swirling your glass of sparkling wine can help release some of the carbonation. Hold the base of the glass firmly and gently swirl the liquid inside. Be cautious not to agitate it too vigorously, as you don’t want to spill any of the wine. After a few minutes of swirling, the wine should have less sparkle.

3. Spoon method: Another simple technique to reduce the fizz in your wine is to place a spoon handle-down in your glass or bottle. The slight disturbance caused by the spoon allows some of the carbon dioxide to escape. Leave the spoon in the wine for a few minutes and then remove it before enjoying your less sparkling wine.

4. Water method: Adding a small amount of to your sparkling wine can help diminish its carbonation. This method is best used for individual glasses rather than an entire bottle. Start by pouring a small portion of wine into a glass, leaving some room at the top. Fill the rest of the glass with still water, stirring gently to mix the two liquids together. The addition of water dilutes the carbonation and provides a smoother drinking experience.

5. Cork method: If you have a sparkling wine bottle that is excessively bubbly, the cork method can be an effective solution. Open the bottle carefully, allowing some of the carbon dioxide to escape. Then, recap the bottle with the same cork and store it in a refrigerator for a few hours. The cold temperature reduces the wine’s activity level and diminishes the effervescence. It is important to keep an eye on the bottle since the trapped gas can cause the cork to pop. Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, remove the cork and enjoy your less sparkling wine.

6. Professional degassing: If you want a more precise and controlled method for reducing the sparkle in your wine, you can seek assistance from a professional. Winemakers or wine technicians have the necessary equipment and expertise to degas sparkling wine. They can perform the process using a vacuum degasser or other specialized tools to remove excess carbon dioxide, resulting in a wine with less fizz.

Remember, it’s always wise to test different methods on small samples before applying them to an entire bottle. Each wine varies in its composition and effervescence, so personal experimentation is key to finding the perfect level of sparkle to suit your taste. With these methods, you can adjust the carbonation levels of your sparkling wine and enjoy it just the way you like it. Cheers!