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5 min read
Opening a bottle of Champagne might seem simple, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Time-honored traditions and practical considerations ensure a safe and flawless experience. Let’s delve into the art of opening Champagne, honoring its rich history while avoiding any mishaps.
At Champagne Lallier, we believe that every element of the Champagne experience should be done with intention and respect. All our Champagnes are sealed with natural cork, a sustainable material harvested from regenerative cork trees. This choice honors tradition and ensures the optimal aging of our wines, as natural cork allows for a controlled exchange of oxygen, crucial for the slow and steady development of complex flavors and aromas.
Opening Champagne: Seven Steps to the Perfect Pour
Champagne is synonymous with elegance, and a graceful uncorking adds to the experience. Follow these eight easy steps to open your bottle like a pro:
- Chill it gently: ensure your Champagne is slightly chilled, between 46-54°F (8-12°C). This ensures that you’ll enjoy the aromatic profile of the wine at its best. It also helps maintain the carbonation and prevents the cork from popping unexpectedly.
- Cut the foil: with a clean cut, remove the foil below the wire cage, taking care not to nick yourself on the sharp edges.
- Untwist the cage: gently untwist the wire cage counterclockwise while keeping your thumb firmly on the cork.
- Twist the bottle, not the cork: with your dominant hand holding the cork and cage securely, use your other hand to gently twist the bottle away from you. Or if it feels more comfortable to you, remove the cage while holding the cork in place, then hold the cork securely and twist the bottle gently away from you. You’ll start feeling the pressure building as the cork slowly loosens.
- Slow and steady wins the race: continue twisting the bottle while gradually easing the cork out. Resist the urge to rush; a slow release ensures the desired gentle “sigh” instead of a forceful pop. If you feel too much pressure, keep control of the cork, and even push it back towards the bottle, to ensure the bottle is opened delicately.
- Point away: always keep the bottle angled away from yourself and others to avoid any accidental cork-related injuries.
- Wipe the lip: once the cork is out, give the lip of the bottle a quick wipe to remove any stray drops or drips.
Finally, pour your perfectly opened Champagne and enjoy responsibly.
How to Cork Champagne After Opening
Preserving the effervescence and delicate flavors of Champagne is paramount when corking an open bottle. Creating an airtight seal is essential, as air is detrimental to sparkling wine. Specialized Champagne closures offer a simple solution.
As our global brand ambassador, Sarah Durand, advises, “Use an airtight cap to reseal the bottle after opening. Store the bottle upright, in the fridge. Under these conditions, your Champagne can retain its vibrancy for up to five days, depending on the amount remaining. A smaller quantity of remaining wine will keep its vibrancy for a shorter amount of time.”
Investing in a quality hermetic Champagne closure is a small step that ensures your next pour is as delightful as the first.
Find the perfect bottle of Champagne to open, discover the Champagne Lallier Collection.
