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Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, or "Vinny" for short. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the technical aspects of winemaking to the fine points of etiquette. I hope you find my answers educational and even amusing. Looking for a particular answer? Check my archive and my FAQs.

Dear Dr. Vinny,

I bought a sparkling Shiraz recently, and I’m wondering what is the best temperature to serve that wine? What glass would be appropriate? Does a standard red glass work, or would it be better to use a Champagne flute?

—Ben S., Milwaukee

Dear Ben,

I really find sparkling Shirazes fun, and an unexpected treat to pour for my friends. Even thought it’s a cross between a red wine and bubbly, I tend to treat it more like a bubbly than a red. I like mine quite chilled, which helps keep the bubbles from getting flat, but perhaps you can take it out of the refrigerator about 10 minutes ahead of time so it’s not so cold that the flavors are muted.

As far as glassware goes, I believe a Champagne flute is best—again, to help preserve the bubbles (with a smaller surface area), and so that you can enjoy watching them travel to the top.

—Dr. Vinny

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