What shape of glass magnifies champagne?
Champagne, that sparkling, refined beverage that evokes celebration and elegance, deserves a setting to match. Flute, coupe or tulip glass, the question divides champagne lovers. We're talking about it.
The magic of champagne is more than just its deliciously effervescent taste. It also lies in the art of tasting that accompanies it. The choice of glass, shape and material have a considerable impact on the tasting experience. Although champagne is unquestionably associated with celebration par excellence, it remains fundamentally a wine to be enjoyed, tasted, just like any other wine, while enjoying its exquisite bubbles to boot. Let's take a look at the different shapes of glass, with their advantages and disadvantages.
The cup
Until the 1930s, champagne was served in flared glasses, often made of crystal. The origin of this shape is shrouded in royal tales from French history. One legend has it that the glass was molded on the breast of Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France and wife of Louis XVI, while others claim to see in its rounded shape the breast of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour. Although these stories are romantic, there is no historical evidence to support them. In fact, it seems that the cup was originally designed to serve champagne in England as early as 1663, thus preceding its use by French aristocrats by around a century.
But while lovers of retro charm swear by its elegant shape, it does have one major drawback. Indeed, although the coupe allows champagne to express itself fully, its wide opening causes the champagne's effervescence to disappear almost immediately, resulting in the rapid loss of the precious olfactory molecules that carry the beverage's aromas. However, it would be unfair to overlook one of the coupe's major assets: it's the only shape that makes it possible to realize the secret dream of every "perfect party" organizer - to create a pyramid to unleash a cascade of champagne!
The flute
Although the term "champagne glass" is always used when someone asks for a glass of this precious beverage, it's rare to see the waiter - or your host - serve it in a real glass. In fact, from the early 1930s onwards, flutes were the preferred way to enjoy champagne. Initially, practicality was the reason for its decline. Dancing a foxtrot with a glass in hand is more akin to Koh-Lanta than a concours d'élégance! What we also like about this flute is its long stem, which, unlike the coupe which is most often grabbed by the neck, keeps the hand away to avoid heating up the champagne.
Its narrow, slender shape not only keeps the champagne inside the glass, but also allows the bubbles to rise gracefully, offering an enchanting visual spectacle. However, the downside is that it doesn't allow a perfect expression of aromas due to its thin opening. Some purists feel that the wine feels cramped in the flute, its narrow structure restricting interaction between the wine and the air, hindering the full release of its aromas.
The tulip glass
This close relative of the flute appeared in the inter-war years, distinguished by its tulip-shaped silhouette, wider at the base and tapering gracefully towards the top. The striking resemblance to a white wine glass is undeniable, and its main characteristic is to reveal aromas without smothering them, while preserving the precious effervescence of the bubbles. This elegant tulip provides a complete tasting experience, highlighting the subtle nuances of champagne while retaining its natural liveliness.
Particularly well-suited to vintage champagnes, the tulip glass favors optimal oxygenation, giving complex aromas the opportunity to fully develop. It's the ideal choice for discerning connoisseurs in search of subtle aromas and an exceptional tasting experience.
While champagne professionals and connoisseurs alike engage in passionate debate about the ideal shape of glass to house their precious sparkling wine, it's essential to stress that the perfect choice will depend on your personal tastes and the occasion. The flute and tulip glass are ideal for young or vintage champagnes, enhancing their freshness and liveliness. On the other hand, the coupe or even the classic balloon glass will enhance more mature and complex cuvées, revealing their rich, subtle aromas.
Our selection of champagne glasses
From page 20 of the 2024 champagnes book, in bookshops Thursday November 30, 2023, you can discover the golden rules for serving champagne wines. Here, we share our selection of glasses for tasting it.
1. BACCARAT "Passion flûte" glass by Jean-Charles Boisset, in crystal, €450 for two. 2 . FFERRONE "Flight" glass, in borosilicate glass, €200 for two. 3. ZWIESEL GLAS "The Moment" glass, mouth-blown, €109.90 for 2. 4. LALIQUE "100 points" universal glass by James Suckling, colorless crystal, €170 5. SAINT-LOUIS "Twist 1586" glass, in crystal, €151. 6. CHRISTOFLE "Tourbillon" glass, blown glass, €250 for two. 7. RIEDEL "Winewings" champagne glass, €34.90 8. ZWIESEL GLAS "Duo" glass, mechanically hand-crafted, €59 each. 9. FFERRONE "Frances" flute, borosilicate glass, €220 each.
Whatever your choice of glass, the most important thing is to ensure that it is clean and dry, as the presence of any detergent residue or moisture could alter the quality of the tasting. But above all, it's crucial to bear in mind that the true joy of enjoying champagne lies in sharing and celebrating. Whether you opt for one form of glass or another, the essential thing is to toast in the company of family and friends, while letting the delicious bubbles tickle your senses. Cheers!
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