Today is National Champagne Day! If you're posting on social media, be sure to tag #NationalChampagneDay.
Champagne flutes are near ubiquitous on our shelves, but are they doing champagne a disservice? Maximillian Riedel, CEO of Riedel and 11th generation the famous glassmakers, thinks so1.
The flute was designed to highlight the effervescence of wine, and to preserve that carbonation for a longer period of time. For these tasks, the flute performs well.
Many flutes have an etched 'effervescent point' or "sparkling point" at the base of the flute. This rough spot helps to nucleate the bubbles. There's no doubt that it makes a beautiful presentation.
Unfortunately the narrow opening of the flute doesn't allow us to use one of main senses of wine appreciation: smell.
From flute to coupe?
If the flute shape is all show, then how about its opposite, the coupe? Does its broad and squatty bowl improve the tasting experience? Sadly, this second most popular champagne shape is similarly flawed when it comes to highlighting the actual wine flavors and aromas. The coupe is so broad (and often filled to the brim) that none of the aromatics are trapped, leaving little for the nose to appreciate, despite all of that surface area2.
So what glassware is actually good for champagne?
If you're a Riedel shop then you know that the glass fitted to the varietal of grape makes the best glass for the sparkling wine made from that very same grape. Champagne from Chardonnay grapes is best in a chardonnay glass (not an oaked Chardonnay glass), and a sparkling rose from pinot noir grapes will be best enjoyed in a pinot noir glass.
If you're not a Riedel shop, in general a sauvignon blanc glass will be the best shape to enjoy champagne. I highly recommend reaching out to your glassware rep for regular trainings on glassware. It's hard for staff (and customers!) to believe the difference a glass can make on the overall experience with the wine - from visual appeal, to smell and taste.
If you're posting today for National Champagne Day, encourage your customers to try their favorite champagne in a sauvignon glass alongside a flute. It makes for a fun group activity, and they may be surprised by the experience! My apologies in advance to the dishwasher for the double duty.
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