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Champagne is something you should consider sipping all year-round. But it’s especially appropriate this time of year, as everyone jolts from holiday party to holiday party. It’s time to get some expert advice on the sparkly stuff. A few myths debunked and some surprising tidbits from the correct glassware (hint – it’s not a flute) to why popping a cork should be graceful.
What is the best method of opening a bottle of Champers?
I was once told early on in my wine career that whenever you open a bottle of Champagne it should sound like a beautiful woman farting. That means, you should hear little to nothing. Can you say sssssss….
What about pouring?
Pour champagne with the label facing whomever you’re pouring for—their waiting lips will start to salivate. Pour quickly at the start so the foam forms to the top of the flute, then wait a few seconds for it to dissipate. Keep building that suspense. Finally, gently pour to fill the glass. As with wine, pour for the ladies first right-to-left from yourself, then men right-to-left from original position going from oldest to youngest.
And your favorite glassware?
Drink Champagne out of a Burgundy wine glass—like the one you would drink Chardonnay or Pinot Noir from. Don’t forget Champagne is wine too! We’re all used to being served Champagne in a flute, but that doesn’t allow for surface area, which lets the wine open up and come into its own. You also lose the aromatics of Champagne when it’s served out of a flute.
Is there a right temperature for serving it? Ice cold? Or just below room temperature?
Personally, I like to drink Champagne ice cold at the beginning, and prefer to leave it out of the ice bucket, on the table, to allow the wine to come back up to room temperature. In that manner, the bubbles dissipate and the wine opens up, gaining much more aromatic character. The last few sips are almost always divine. But, like with so many things, its really all about individual preferences.
How much Champagne is enough for a party of 4? Party of 8? Party of 12? Party of 20?
Champagne is something no one turns down. With a steady hand, you can pour four to five glasses per bottle. If there’s a program for the evening, starting or finishing with a single bottle of Champagne for a party of four makes complete sense. It doesn’t hurt to have a second bottle, though!
A handy guide:
- Party of 4 = 1–2 bottles
- Party of 8 = 2–3 bottles
- Party of 12 = 3–5 bottles
- Party of 20 = at least a 12-bottle case, why not?
What’s the proper word? Champers? Bubbly? Supernova? Cougar-Juice? ________?
Depends on how recently you were on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook before opening the bottle.
Any key words on a label that might tip us off to the style or quality of the Champagne?
Aside from certain words, which define sugar content, the rest of the information you’ll find on a Champagne label will include the Champagne house, a proprietary name and vintage info. Quality isn’t referenced on the label as it is in other regions in France.
Here’s a guide to sugar levels in Champagne (from dry to sweet):
- Brut Nature = 0–3 grams of residual sugar per liter
- Extra Brut = less than 6 grams
- Brut = less than 12 grams
- Extra Sec (Dry) = between 12 and 17 grams
- Sec = between 17 and 32 grams
- Demi-sec = between 32 and 50 grams
- Doux = 50+ grams
If guests are arriving and the Champagne isn’t cold enough—god forbid—what do you do?
Find an ice bucket, bowl or vase. Fill it with ice, then put water in it. Put the bottle inside the vessel, and spin it non-stop for about five minutes. This will chill it down faster than just putting it in the freezer. Game ogn.
Is it worth trying to make Champagne cocktails just to change things up?
Use Prosecco, Sparkling Wine, or Cava to make the cocktail. Drink Champagne on it’s own, please.
Have fun this New Years! and Drink Responsibly!!! Look for my superb Champagne cocktails of the season or for any time to follow –
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