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Different Types of Champagne Glasses

Cheryl Mascarenhas
A champagne drinker knows that champagne has to be had in a style that best suits the drink. Which just means that, if you want to really enjoy your drink, you need to get your glasses right.

Why the Long Stem?

Champagne glasses, like other white wine glasses, have long stems so that the fingers can grasp the glass by the stem instead of the bowl. This prevents the hands from transferring heat to the bowl and warming up the champagne inside.
Champagne, for one, is associated with sophistication, class, and popular among those who have a taste for quality. The satisfaction that comes with the pop of the cork is unbeatable and aids in making a special occasion complete. The rich golden liquid is known for its aroma, flavors, and most importantly, its dancing bubbles.
To get the best of your bubbly drink, you ought to have the perfect glass to complement your taste. The secret to truly enjoying your champagne is to remember that the older the champagne is, the wider is the glass.
Champagne glasses complement the need for the sparkling drink to be served, preserved, and savored to the dregs. Connoisseurs are sure to agree when I say that there is a right glass for every occasion, and more specifically, for every variety of champagne that is being served.
It is no wonder then that a lot of people invest in different types of champagne and wine glasses. Let's get our glasses clinking then, at this point.

Champagne Flutes

One of the most popular ways to enjoy your glass of champagne is to pour it into champagne flutes. The characteristics of this glass are hard to miss. It has a tall, narrow bowl that sits atop a medium to long, yet elegant stem.
The bowl retains the bubbles for the longest possible time, allowing you to have a bubbly experience for a longer time. The narrow mouth exposes very little of the champagne in the air, which helps slow down the carbonation process.

Champagne Trumpets

Just like flutes, trumpets or trumpet flutes have a narrow bowl sitting atop a medium to long stem.
The only difference in them is that trumpet flutes have a relatively flared rim like that of a trumpet or bell. Both these glasses have a roughened point at the bottom of the bowl for the bubbles to congregate.

Champagne Tulips

Doesn't it look like the flower it is named after?
The main feature of this glass is that it has a narrow rim as compared to the center, which allows the aroma of the drink to be directed towards the nose. This inward-bent rim helps you enjoy the drink even before you actually sip it. It tapers towards the base, giving it a belly-like appearance.

Champagne Coupe

The champagne coupe or saucer, as it is known, is a comparatively broader and wider bowl. You are most likely to spot this glass at most wedding receptions and cocktail parties around the champagne fountain.
It has a wide bowl that sits atop a relatively shorter stem as compared to the flute and tulip varieties. The bowl, that is shallow and broad, and rim hasten the process of oxidation, which makes it unfavorable for the dry wines that are available these days.

White Wine Glass

Champagne is a variety of white wine, and can be served in any of the glasses used to serve white wine. As mentioned earlier, the broad-bowl glasses can be used to serve older champagnes, rather than the newer ones.

Stemless Champagne Glasses

These champagne glasses are similar to the other glasses sans the stem. Some of these glasses come with a double-walled glass, which ensures the heat of the hand does not reach the champagne.

Varieties of Champagne Glasses

Tips to Choose the Right Glass

The best champagne glasses have a wider bowl and narrow rim.

» A good champagne glass ought to reveal its contents; hence, it is best to use one without embellishments.

» A clear glass or crystal champagne glass is your best bet.

» Opt for one that has a hollow stem, thus, allowing the bubbles to travel longer and create a pretty display.

» Shallow and wider glasses are a better bet at a party, where you certainly do not want your guests to be burping.
» Use plastic champagne glasses for weddings and parties, where you do not want to risk your shiny crystals.

» Last but not the least, champagne is meant to be enjoyed by your senses, so ensure the experience is not marred with unclean glasses.
On a final note, while there are many different types of champagne glasses, each contributes to how the very popular sparkling drink is served―each with its own unique characteristic and flair. No matter what glass you prefer, allow yourself to enjoy the drink for what it essentially is―a refreshing drink―that can be enjoyed, regardless of the circumstances of the drinker.