Bubbles are the key to champagne's flavor and aroma, so you should served champagne in a glass designed to retain as many bubbles as possible while still imparting the prestige of this distinct beverage. The bubbles are so important to champagne's quality that Möet & Chandon funded a joint project with Heineken to study the formation of bubbles in alcoholic beverages. The study determined that a bottle of champagne contains approximately 250 million bubbles.
Types
Until the early 1900s, two types of champagne glasses were in use: the coupe, a saucer-shaped glass with a short stem; and the flute, a thin cone-shaped glass with a wide mouth and long stem. Around 1930, a new type of emerged; it had a long stem and a tall, thin bowl in the shape of an egg with its top cut off.
Champagne glasses, or champagne flutes, are normally made from glass, crystal or leaded crystal and may have engraving on the bowl. Although they are available in colored glass as well, it is recommended that glasses have a clear bowl on them so the consumer can visually inspect the wine.
Although champagne flutes are available in a wide variety of sizes, one size is considered ideal according to the Union of Champagne Houses: The glass's total height should be between 7 to 8 inches, the bowl's be approximately 4 inches and the stem 3 to 4 inches tall. The mouth should have a 2.5 inch opening, and the bowl's maximum diameter should not exceed 3 inches.
Selection
Leaded crystal is the recommended medium for champagne flutes because it refracts more light than plain glass, giving the champagne a very sparkly appearance. Flutes of leaded crystal can be expensive, however, so budget should be the first factor taken into consideration when purchasing champagne flutes. Riedel of Austria is the premier brand of crystal barware. This company offers many types of champagne flutes and glasses ranging from $40 for a set of four up to hundreds of dollars for a single flute. Other popular brands include Spiegelau, Schott Zwiesel, Bormioli Rocco, Waterford and Dartington Crystal.
Once you have narrowed down your choices by price, you should then think about function. Make sure that the intended storage place can accommodate the height of the glass. Purchase glass rather than crystal if you plan on washing the glasses in your dishwasher.
Match the design of the glass to your home's décor. Champagne glasses can be traditional, elegant, ornate, sleek or trendy. Be sure to pick a design that matches your style. Also, try to select a glass that has a pointed base or hollow stem, which encourages the formation of bubbles.
Maintenance
Detergents used and the manner of storage for the champagne flutes can adversely impact a champagne's bubbles. Always store the glasses upright as they can absorb the odor of the base they stand on if stored upside down, which in turn can be transmitted to the champagne. You should not use detergent to wash your glasses either, but if you do, make sure you rinse the glasses thoroughly to remove any detergent residue. After washing, wipe champagne glasses dry with a lint-free cloth.
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