To make the tasting experience complete, here are our tips for serving champagne in the best possible way:
Introduce the Champagne
As with any wine, it is a good idea to introduce the champagne to your guests by showing them the label. Ideally, you should match your gesture with a few words about the champagne that will be tasted. For example, you can talk about the brand or the winemaker, the style of the vintage and explain the choice of it, in relation to the dish if it is a food and champagne pairing or related to the event.
How to hold the bottle?
For purely aesthetic and practical reasons, avoid holding the bottle by the neck. Instead, feel free to hold the champagne bottle by the body or on the base, which is more practical and more suitable.
Magnum and large bottles are too large to be held in this way, so it is recommended that they be served by holding them with one hand by the bottom, the thumb inserted into the flare, the other fingers extended under the base, and the other hand supporting the neck. This process is sometimes used for serving bottles.
You should also know that beyond the magnum, there are handles or tailor made supports adapted to facilitate service.
Should I use a napkin like the sommeliers do?
It is not necessary to use the napkin to serve the champagne. Just remember to wipe the bottle when you take it out of the ice bucket.
However, if you want to go all out, the napkin should never hide the label.
How should I pour the Champagne?
To serve champagne well, there is only one secret: opt for a slow and regular service and pour the champagne close to the glass, This facilitates the development of the bubble string and at the same time prevents foam excess. . If the champagne is very sparkling, don’t hesitate to serve it in several stages so that the foam dissipates. Although champagne is a sparkling wine, it has to be distinguished from beer, it is not necessary to tilt the glass.
It is common practice to fill glasses only halfway or, at maximum, two-thirds full to allow the aromas to fully develop. Do not hesitate to re-serve frequently, to refresh the champagne, but above all to offer the spectacle of the cheerful rise of the bubbles!
Finally, if you wish to taste several types of champagne, don’t forget to change glasses to avoid spoiling the aromas.
Enjoy your tasting!