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There are all manner of glasses to peruse – and it may seem a little perplexing, but fear not. George V Magazine spoke to Jiachen Lu, head sommelier at Cord by Le Cordon Bleu, to get the lowdown on the different types of champagne glass, and the best brands you should be buying.
What are the different types of champagne glass?
There are three main types of glass to consider when serving champagne: coupe, flute and tulip.
“Champagne coupes are the original glass made specifically for our favourite bubbly wine,” Lu says. “While the story of the design supposedly modelled after Marie Antoinette’s breast was false, champagne coupes were truly the vessel of choice for more than 100 years all over the world and often seen in classic movies as a symbol of luxury and elegance.
“Champagne flutes and tulips were invented much later and only preferred once technology advanced and the production of tall glassware became easier and less costly in the 20th century.
“Both types, with a longer and slimmer shape and smaller surface on top, allow champagne to retain the fizz and aroma better than coupes. A tulip, with a wider bowl, helps the liquid to get more contact with oxygen without compromising the effervescence.”
A fourth, less popular, type is the stemless glass – in a flute shape with a seamless, flat bottom.
What are the pros and cons of each champagne glass?
“Coupes can certainly take a good amount of liquid – which might save you a few trips for refills at a large event,” Lu says. “The downside of these shallow glasses is that you will lose the bubbles more quickly.” But nothing can quite match the coupe for style, as the best shape to use for champagne towers on special occasions.
“Flute and tulip glasses funnel the delicate aromas to the nose, allowing us to appreciate the champagne before it hits the tongue. They keep the wine bubbly and cool, and are great for a toast,” she adds, given that they are far less likely to spill.
Meanwhile, stemless champagne glasses “preserve the carbonation and aroma of the wine” like flutes and tulip glasses do. “However, lack of stem means that your fingers will increase the wine temperature relatively quickly when holding the glasses.”
Does the type of champagne glass impact the drinking experience?
Classical coupes add “a retro charm,” Lu says, which can enhance your drinking experience. “Imagine yourself indulging in the style of the Great Gatsby…”
For practicality, stemless glasses can be easily sat next to the canapé plate on your hand at any standing reception: “Just make sure you drink the champagne before it gets too warm,” Lu advises.
“Flutes and tulips have long stems for easy holding by hand without warming up the wine. While both can efficiently enhance the aroma perception, tulips help champagne with long ageing open up and further evolve more complexity on the nose, thanks to the broader bowl which allows more oxygen in the glass.”
Lu does warn that, whatever type you choose, “it is better to have the champagne glasses with thin rims. Thin rims make the wine smoothly flow onto the tip of the tongue and help us taste more.”
Which champagne glass should you choose for which event?
Lu argues that the classical coupe is perfect for weddings – “no celebration is complete without a champagne tower!” – but also pairs well if sampling champagne cocktails at home.
“Flutes and tulips are both good for any contemporary occasions,” she continues. “If I have both in hand, I will choose the former for a more youthful champagne – such as most non-vintage champagne on the market – and save the latter for something complex and aged to maximise the flavour and enjoyment.
“So if I were offered Dom Pérignon 59’ like James Bond was, I’d politely insist on a champagne tulip.”
Stemless glasses, however, are better for bigger, more raucous events. “They come in handy for house parties of a larger size as they seem to be more breakage-proof with a big crowd and are usually dishwasher-friendly,” Lu adds.
How should we keep our champagne glasses clean?
Less is more when it comes to having sparkling champagne glasses. “It is better to wash them by hand at home with a mild and unscented dish soap,” Lu says. “Rinse well and polish with a clean and soft cloth.”
Sticking them in the dishwasher is best avoided, she adds, unless they are marked as dishwasher-safe, as the vigorous washing cycle could easily damage the delicate glassware.
“Store them away from strong odours, such as home fragrance diffusers, cheese, or dry mushrooms,” Lu warns, “And don’t forget to check your glasses again before pouring your favourite champagne.”
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