Champagne, as seen at parties or on television, opens with a loud pop; may be even with a bang! But did you know that’s NOT how it’s supposed to sound? Yes, you heard it right.

1. How to open a Champagne / Sparkling wine bottle?
Champagne, as seen at parties or on television, opens with a loud pop; may be even with a bang!
But did you know that’s NOT how it’s supposed to sound? Yes, you heard it right. Champagne
must not be opened with a loud pop but with a small sound, almost like a whisper. If it opens
with a loud pop, that’s the work of an amateur. It can also make the cork fly out of your hands
and hit someone – yes it does happen – and injure them seriously. So learn how to open a
Champagne bottle like a pro.
Here’s a step by step guide to making your bubbly whisper.
1. Chill it well: Champagne / Sparkling wine at a higher temperature is more likely to
bubbly over than one that is perfectly chilled at 6°C. Chilling it for at least 1.5 hours is
essential; over night is preferable if not mandatory. Make sure the bottle is wiped dry
before you proceed further.
2. Tear the foil: Unlike still wines, Champagne foils usually come with a small tab that you
can pull to tear open the foil. Remove the foil only from the top instead of ripping it off
completely.
3. Tilt the bottle at a 45° angle: Point the bottle away from yourself and others in the room
so as to avoid injuring anyone.
4. Hold the cork down: While you twist open the cage wire, hold the cork down with your
other hand so that it doesn’t fly out. It’s important to NOT remove the cage but only to
twist the wire open with about 5-6 turns.
5. Twist to open: Hold down the cork with your thumb with two fingers curled around it.
With your other hand, twist the bottle gently. It is important to remember to not twist the
cork but the bottle. As you twist, you will feel the cork rising out of the bottle.
Maintaining your grip on the cork, continue twisting the bottle till the cork pops with that
desired whisper.
6. Pour: After you’ve opened the bottle, pouring it correctly is equally important. Pour it in
to champagne flutes using the “beer-like” technique of pouring the wine down the side of
a tilted flute. This will preserve the bubbles and maintain the taste.
While it can be fun to begin a celebration or create a party atmosphere with that quintessential
pop, if the bottle is opened gently it will have more bubbles and taste better. As the old saying
goes, "The ear's gain is the palate's loss."
Thanks
Winekart
Imported wine Shop in Mumbai