We all associate bubbles with champagne yet when it was first created the bubbles were actually a mistake. Over time the sparkling wine started to grow in popularity and was soon declared a favourite of the noble and wealthy especially in the French courts of the 16th century. Today champagne is commonly associated with celebration and affluence and has its own set of rituals and customs to ensure it is enjoyed at its best.
The champagne flute is the more preferred vessel to consume the drink from today rather than the traditional coupe. The champagne flute is designed especially to ensure the champagne is enjoyed at its best and holds the same air of opulence as the drink itself. The long stem of the flute serves the same purpose as the traditional wine glass. It allows the consumer to hold their glass without transferring their body heat to the drink. The design of the flute also ensures as little of the liquid as possible is exposed to the air to help the drink maintain its trademark bubbles. Because it’s often drunk at parties the slim design means more glasses can fit onto a serving tray. Rumoured to be modelled on the shape of Marie Antoinette’s breast, the more traditional champagne coupe is normally used to create a champagne fountain. Although glass is the cheaper option, crystal glasses have a rougher texture and therefore provide more bubbles. Although champagne should always be served chilled, the champagne glasses should never be chilled before use.
Champagne is normally consumed on special occasions or for celebrations so is always best enjoyed however the celebrator chooses. The primary directive of the champagne flute design is to keep your champagne sparkling and bubbly. Although only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France may call itself champagne, most sparkling wines will offer the same sparkle and air of opulence.