Whats the best and fastest way to chill whites or sparkling wines?
Canadian winter is the best icebox there is, just put the bottles out on your porch or deck one half-hour before the party gets started (as long as it’s not below freezing outside). Inside solutions include inexpensive chilling sleeves that store in your freezer and can bring a white to proper temperature in about 20 minutes. For sparkling wines, an ice bucket with a nice layer of ice (and water poured over the ice intensifies the chilling), with a towel wrapped around the neck and over the ice works well and is elegant. If you are a guest, try to bring whites prechilled – it helps your hosts cope. Q: Is there a proper way to open a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine? A: Yes, do not open it by pushing up with your thumbs on the cork – that gets explosive. Gently twist the bottle while gripping the cork, while cradling the neck in your hand, making certain the bottle is not aimed at a chandelier or someone’s face. Putting a towel over the cork removal process can help. For those real
