Expressions: The WineExpress.com Blog

Champagne 101: How To Pop, Pour & Gift!

Popping The Bottle

Opening a Champagne bottle may seem like a daunting task but there’s nothing to be intimidated by! In fact, opening the bottle is often the main event! You’ll want to begin by placing a napkin over the cork to prevent any unwanted messes. Reaching under the napkin, undo the wire that surrounds the capsule. Now here’s the secret… many people intuitively try twisting or pulling on the cork. However, if you hold the cork and twist the bottle, the pressure from the bottle will help force the cork out with much less effort and you’ll still get the iconic POP! There are also special purpose devices available to make the entire process even easier. First and foremost, it is always important to open the bottle safely and pointed away from yourself or any others.

 

Glassware

The narrow Champagne flute is the traditional glassware used for Champagne. Its narrow shape provides a unique experience when drinking Champagne that comes with both pros and cons. Since there is less surface area for the wine to fill the glass, the wine may not open up as much. This could result in a less intense and less aromatic wine. On the other hand, the decreased surface area allows the wine to stay cooler for longer and better retain its fizz. In recent years the flute has decreased in popularity and many have turned to using a standard white wine glass for their Champagnes. While this means you’ll have to be wary of any temperature changes while the wine sits in the glass, you can take comfort in knowing you’re experiencing the aromatics of the wine at their full potential.

 

Gifting

Champagne can spark thoughts of special occasions and grand events, but you don’t need a reason to open a tasty bottle of bubbly! This versatility makes it an excellent choice for gifts and we have plenty of top rated sparkling wines that are sure to impress! Here are some of our favorites:

 

Krug 2002 Vintage Champagne, Brut

This wine scored TRIPLE 100 POINTS! If that isn’t convincing enough, Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected it as their #1 Wine of 2016 and Wine & Spirits said “The 2002 may well be the greatest vintage wine Henri Krug produced during his four-decade career.” Krug is renowned as the ultimate luxury champagne and all of their vintage releases are extreme rare and exciting but this 2002 is something extra. If Krug is the king of champagne, then this bottle is the king of gifts!

 

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV with Limited Edition Gift Bag

One of the most popular Champagnes in the world, Veuve Clicquot is consistently first rate. Our customers say “I have bought this champagne over and over”. For a limited time this popular champagne comes with a decorative insulated gift bag which adds a unique touch that makes it perfect for corporate and casual gifting! Even after the wine is gone your recipient will be able to reuse the insulated bag for when they’re on-the-go. Check out our video below!

 

Laurent-Perrier, Grand Siecle NV Brut Champagne Gift Set with 2 Glasses

When presentation is key, nothing dazzles like this Laurent-Perrier gift set!  The bottle and two glasses are enclosed in a beautiful gift box. But the packaging isn’t the only thing that makes this wine special. Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected it as a Top 100 Cellar Selection with 97 points saying “…an exceptional wine, not quite dry and with a tinge of softness, but so elegant and balanced. This bottling has just the right amount of maturity, hinting at toast while guarding every iota of fruitiness.”

 

Perrier Jouet 2002 Belle Epoque Blanc De Blanc Champagne, Magnum, 1.5L

This 1.5L Magnum bottle is sure to make a lasting impression! The House’s rarest and most precious cuvée, this Belle Epoque Blanc De Blanc is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the heart of the Cote des Blancs. Wine Spectator scored it 94 points saying “This elegant wine shows beautiful precision to the texture… Lovely for its subtlety and overall grace.” A limited number bottles were produced from the outstanding 2002 vintage so this will make a very special gift!

 


The WineExpress Team brings you the latest wine news and exciting recommendations! We’ll talk about what we’re currently drinking and the wines we are looking forward to. There will be a lot of different opinions and we’d love to hear yours too!

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