Serving champagne is an art. Not only the way you serve it, but also the use of glasses is important. Several types of glass are generally used to enjoy champagne. The cup, with its elegant, rounded profile, makes a pretty visual statement at large social gatherings. The flute, invented by the English in the 18th century, has a narrow, chic shape. The sober, classic wine glass, owned by the vast majority of the population. Finally, the tulip-shaped glass a fairly wide base, with a narrow neck, all set on a medium-height foot.
But don’t let the diversity of the glassware distract you from the essence of the product. Its primary aim is to enhance the aromas and taste of champagne. So, beyond the visual, it’s worth looking at the form, as this will influence the content. It can either enhance champagne and reveal its power, or alter it and alter its perception on the nose and palate.
The cup, a historic but unsuitable glass
Undeniably aesthetic, the first model is said to have been molded on the breast of Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. However, the coupe is not the perfect glass for champagne. Its large, open surface, in direct contact with the air, allows bubbles to escape very quickly. Similarly, the aromas are lost, both on the nose and in the mouth, as they quickly become flat and lack length. Finally, the cup is not the most practical container, as it can easily be tipped over.
The flute, a sure bet?
The original container for champagne, it is not, however, the right glass for good tasting. Indeed, champagne, whose key character is its bubbles, needs space to truly express its aromas in perfect conditions. But the flute has the opposite effect, compressing them. The olfactory sense is not very much in demand, as the freshness of the aromas can hardly be smelled. And when it comes to tasting, we don’t necessarily find the roundness and gourmandise expected of champagne. However, its small diameter means that bubbles do not escape too quickly. Although they’re not so thin due to the length of the glass…
The universal wine glass
Choose white wine glasses, which are narrower in shape, bringing out the aromas more effectively. Likewise, sparkling wine finds the space to oxygenate and fully open out, releasing its aromas as they travel up the glass and concentrate on the rim. On the nose as well as on the palate, the structure, depth and roundness of champagne are evident.
Tulip-shaped glass: several special features
With its wide base, narrow rim and medium height, this glass helps oxygenate the champagne and preserve the bubbles. All in all, it’s a well-balanced glass for optimal tasting.
TWIL recommendations
Le
Champagne Deutz
,
cuvée Brut
is the house emblem. The nose is both fresh and delicious, with notes of apple confectionery and brioche bread. On the palate, this is a great champagne, with a well-mastered balance between the fruitiness of pinot noir, the vinosity of pinot meunier and the minerality of chardonnay.
Le
Champagne François Lavergne, Brut Réserve,
from the vineyards surrounding the hamlet of Talus Saint-Prix, in the south of the Champagne region, is a perfect match for fish and poultry, thanks to its supple mouthfeel.
The TWIL team’s favorite,
Champagne Cuillier, Grande Réserve,
is dominated by balance. Balance in ageing, in blending, in grape varieties, in dosage. On the nose as on the palate, it will surprise you with its fruity, lightly toasted notes.
Le
Champagne Michel Hoerter, les 2 Muses – Blanc de Noirs,
rated 89/100 by Decanter, will offer you an attractive honey-gold color with amber highlights, a fruity nose and redcurrant notes on the mid-palate. A fresh Champagne with a rich, gourmet bouquet!
Last but not least, Champagne Henri David-Heucq, Brut Réserve, a three-time gold medal winner, is a blend of Pinot meunier (85%), Chardonnay (10%) and Pinot noir (5%) grapes from the Marne Valley at Fleury-la-Rivière. Perfect with mild cheeses and fruity desserts.
Champagne and wine lover ! 🥂🍷
