Etiquette for Champagne

According to the Piper-Heidsieck party consultants with Piper-Heidsieck in France, whichever glass style you choose for serving champagne, you must “make sure the glassware is properly washed. Many detergents leave an invisible film on them which may make them sparkle but which inhibits the formation of the bubbles. The invisible detergent also can give an off-smell to the wine.”– Image source, Pinterest

Be Aware of Etiquette in Serving Champagne

Whether it's a private wedding party dinner for 10 or a catered reception for hundreds, the gathering is effervescent when champagne is one of the featured attractions.

Over the centuries, certain rules of "champagne etiquette" have evolved, according to party consultants with Piper-Heidsieck, a family-owned firm in Reims, France, which has been making the bubbly liquid for more than 200 years.

There is general agreement that the best glassware is tulip or flute-shaped, which allows the bubbles to rise the length of the glass, adding to the visual appeal as well as the length of time the bubbles last. Other glass shapes just dissipate the bubbles.

Other suggestions include:`

✓ Make sure the glassware is properly washed. Many detergents leave an invisible film on them which may make them sparkle but which inhibits the formation of the bubbles. The invisible detergent also can give an off-smell to the wine.

✓ Chill champagne before opening it. Two hours in the refrigerator should bring it down to the proper temperature. If you have less time, put the bottle in an ice bucket half filled with ice and half with water. Every few minutes rotate the bottle in the ice water.

✓ Open the bottle by pulling the bottle away from the cork. After removing the foil and metal cap- sule, hold the cork firmly in one hand, and with the other firmly grasp the bottle. Twist it slowly and surely away from the cork. Chilling the wine and opening the bottle properly should keep the cork from ex- ploding out of the bottle.

✓ Point the bottle away from people when opening it. (And away from yourself, too.)

✓ Show people the label when serving champagne. Properly held, with the thumb in the "punt" or in- dented portion at the bottom of the bottle, the bottle should be turned so that those interested may see.– From The Associated Press, Feb 1987

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia