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Recently, my wife and I were rewatching an old Hollywood movie and in one of the episodes, the characters beautifully drank champagne from wide glasses. Beloved thoughtfully said that it was very beautiful, and for some reason we drink sparkling wines from high and long ones. Well, yes, not aristocrats, we are.
And then I remembered that in modern films they already drink champagne from the same glasses that we have at home. To which the wife replied: “Society is shrinking. There used to be times … ”Is she getting old with me or what?
I decided to figure out which glasses are suitable for sparkling wine. Today, I will share this with you.
What shape of champagne glasses is considered classic
There are several forms of champagne glasses that are considered classic. The fact is that the production process of the drink has changed over time, and new containers allow you to better reveal all its properties. Each should be considered separately – here the choice will depend on your personal preferences in varieties and types of champagne.
Wide glass
The goblet glass (coupe de champagne) is the first type, which was created in 1663 and remained popular until the middle of the 20th century. Traditionally, its volume is 250 ml, its bowl is wide and shallow.
At the time of its manufacture, champagne wines were sweeter and less sparkling. Therefore, it is not suitable for modern varieties – with a large area of contact with air, the drink quickly loses sparkling (bubbles disappear), which is one of the main criteria for assessing the quality of the drink.
A wide glass will come in handy:
- if you prefer sweet varieties of sparkling: Martini Asti (Martini Asti), Fragolino (Fragolino);
- for theme parties in vintage style;
- to create pyramids from glasses.
According to legend, wide glasses were made in the shape of the breasts of Queen Marie Antoinette of France. However, this version was not confirmed – the glasses were created 100 years earlier than the lady ascended the throne.
Narrow glasses
“Flute” (“flute”, flute) are narrow glasses with a volume of 150-200 ml. They are great for most varieties of sparkling wine (Massandra white and rosé, Inkerman semi-sweet, Artemovskoe, Oreanda and other popular brands).
These are the ones I recommend for home use. This is a universal container that reveals the taste and aroma of the drink, and a narrow bowl allows the champagne to play longer.
The glass gained popularity simultaneously with the spread of dry varieties of sparkling wine. It concentrates the taste and maximizes the bouquet of the wine. In addition, in a tall bowl, you can observe the path of bubbles that rise from the bottom of the glass to its surface.
Tulip shape
Tulip glasses are made specifically for white wine, and champagne is one of its varieties. Their volume is 250-300 ml and they differ in an unusual shape. Compared to flute glasses, they are wider at the bottom and narrow at the top, so they resemble a tulip.
They are not useful for home use, because they are only needed for drinking certain varieties of champagne with more than high cost and long exposure: Dom Perignon (Dom Perignon), Veuve Clicquot (Widow Clicquot).
Important! Regardless of the type of champagne glass, they should not be chilled before serving. Otherwise, excess moisture will form, due to which the drink will become less sparkling.
Why do you need special glasses for champagne?
You can drink champagne from any container, even from a mug, but in this case, be prepared that the drink will not fully reveal its taste.
The liquid is stored in sealed bottles for a long time, and upon contact with air, it begins to play. In the right glasses, the taste remains concentrated, and the bubbles will not leave the champagne even before the tasting begins.
If there are no champagne glasses, what glasses can they be replaced with?
If there are no champagne glasses at home, it is better to replace them with any white wine containers with a long stem, with a narrow or medium bowl.
You can also purchase a set of universal glasses with a volume of 300-450 ml. They are wider than a flute, but also suitable for champagne, do not smear its taste and allow it to play for a long time.
Reference! Opening champagne with a loud sound and “shooting” the cork is considered bad form. It is best to tilt the container at an angle of 45 degrees and gently turn not the cork, but the bottle – this way it will uncork more gently.
10 Rules for Choosing Champagne Glasses
I think that two sets of glasses are enough: universal and flute. I am not a fan of sparkling wine and I don’t see the point in buying containers specifically for it. It’s easy to get lost in the shops, so pay attention to a few tips:
- the price tag is not always equivalent to the quality, you should not overpay for the fame of the company, choose what you like;
- glasses break, so it is better to take the largest possible sets;
- if possible, take glasses not in a set, but by the piece – so you can always buy them in addition;
- do not choose containers suitable only for those drinks that rarely appear in your home;
- crystal is considered one of the best materials for glasses, but ordinary glass is enough for the house;
- carefully inspect each glass from the set for cracks and damage, tap on the edge with a pencil – if the sound is clear without “rattling”, then feel free to buy;
- do not order dishes with shipment – fragile glass can easily break on the way;
- buy 1-2 glasses in advance in reserve and do not keep them together with the main set;
- choose options for glasses made of ordinary thin glass, without engravings – these are the ones used by professional sommeliers and they are perfect for any occasion;
- to choose the volume, keep in mind that the glass is filled with wine by two thirds, optimally – 200-350 ml.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!
Nevertheless, I decided to please my wife and on March 8 I will present her with a set of champagne glasses in the form of a goblet, as in an old movie. And let the sparkling wine not reveal all its taste in it, but she will be able to boast of beautiful pictures on social networks. It turns out that it is so easy to make a woman happy. What are your favorite champagne glasses?