The festive season has always been the ideal time to open a good bottle of sparkling wine. From Christmas toasts to midnight on 31st December, sparkling wines are a symbol of conviviality and celebration. In the United Kingdom, interest in European sparkling wines is growing steadily, thanks to their quality and the wide choice available. Thanks in part to the spread of online shopping, the sparkling wine market is experiencing a new season: in the United Kingdom, the sparkling wine segment grew by 6% in 2024, driven mainly by Prosecco and Cava, while over 30% of purchases are now made through e-commerce (Wine Market Report, IWSR 2024).
In recent years, holiday deals have become a regular event for many enthusiasts: an opportunity to discover new labels or stock up on their favourite sparkling wines at great prices.
How to choose quality sparkling wines on offer
When faced with a long list of promotions, it is easy to be guided solely by price. In reality, with a little care, it is possible to take home some truly interesting sparkling wines without breaking the bank.
Here are some simple but effective criteria, useful even for those who are not experts:
- Production method: the Classic (or traditional) method involves a second fermentation in the bottle and is ideal for those who love fine bubbles, complex aromas and more structured sensations. Examples include Champagne, Franciacorta and some premium Cava labels.
The Charmat method, on the other hand, enhances freshness and aroma: this is the case with Prosecco, perfect for those looking for an immediate and fruity sip.
- Dosage: Brut, Extra Dry, Dry: the sugar level changes the profile of the wine. For aperitifs and more versatile pairings, Brut remains the best choice.
- Area of origin: a Prosecco DOCG from the hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene will have a different profile from a Prosecco DOC, just as French Crémants vary greatly from region to region.
- Pairings: from light recipes to festive dishes, choosing the right sparkling wine allows you to enhance every course.
The most interesting types to buy for the festive season
There is no need to focus on a single label: in the weeks leading up to the holidays, online wine offers allow you to explore different categories without compromising on quality. It is the ideal time to combine more “everyday” sparkling wines with one or two special bottles to open on key days, such as Christmas lunch or New Year’s Eve, or to place under the tree as a refined gift for friends and family.
Building a small, carefully chosen selection means you will always have the right wine for every occasion, from informal aperitifs to the most important toasts, with labels that work well both at the table and as welcome and appreciated gifts.
Prosecco DOC and DOCG: the perfect accompaniment to aperitifs and starters
Ideal for aperitifs and starters typical of British celebrations. Its freshness pairs perfectly with salmon starters, prawn cocktails or classic canapés served before Christmas lunch. Its light, fruity notes also make Prosecco a good choice for pigs in blankets, balancing the savoury flavour of the sausages wrapped in bacon.
French Crémants: the smart choice for roast turkey and white meat dishes
With a finer, more floral profile than Prosecco, Crémants are perfect with dishes that require a touch of elegance. Versions from Alsace or Burgundy pair very well with roast turkey stuffed with herbs and bread sauce, thanks to their acidity, which cleanses the palate between bites. They are also excellent with vegetarian Wellington or side dishes such as sautéed Brussels sprouts.
Spanish Cava: ideal with savoury roasts, stuffing and honey-glazed ham
More structured, dry and complex, Cava offers excellent value for money during the festive season. Its more assertive character makes it ideal with rich Christmas lunch dishes: stuffing, gravy, roast potatoes and mixed roasts. The toasted and citrus notes of Cava Reserva and Gran Reserva harmonise very well even with more flavourful dishes such as honey-glazed ham.
Non-vintage Champagne: for important toasts and the final cheese board
Champagne is the perfect choice for the most important toasts. Its complex profile, with aromas of brioche and citrus fruits, makes it surprisingly versatile at the table. Try it with turkey crown, with the classic cheese board at the end of a meal or with vol-au-vents. The drier versions (Brut) also pair well with less sugary festive desserts, such as mince pies, while for Christmas pudding, a demi-sec Champagne is preferable, as it complements the sweetness of the dish without contrasting it.
Moscato d’Asti DOCG and sweet sparkling wines: the winning choice for mince pies and Christmas pudding
To end your Christmas lunch or dinner with the right pairing, it is also worth considering sweet sparkling wines. Moscato d’Asti DOCG, with its moderate alcohol content and notes of peach, citrus and white flowers, is perfect with mince pies, Christmas pudding, panettone, spiced biscuits and fruit desserts. Other sweet or demi-sec sparkling wines can also work very well with festive desserts, offering a delicious choice for those who like to end their meal with something delicate, as well as for those looking for a gift idea that is different from the usual but easy to appreciate.
Where to find good deals online safely
Buying wine online is easy and gives you access to a wide selection from all over Europe. Among the most reliable platforms for finding sparkling wines on offer during the festive season, Svinando is a benchmark thanks to its wide range of Prosecco, Cava, Crémant and Champagne, selected by professionals and accompanied by clear and comprehensive descriptions.
Discovering the best sparkling wines for the festive season has never been easier: with just one click, you can access Svinando’s offerings, compare prices, read tasting notes and take advantage of seasonal promotions.
