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Champagne Flutes
By Brandon | Last edited: June 2, 2008
Champagne flutes, as the name would imply, are specially designed drinkware (a term assigned to pretty much anything we use to drink) that are commonly used when drinking champagne. Champagne flutes fall under the category of stemware, meaning they stand on a stem above a base. Made of glass, champagne flutes are comprised of a long, narrow bowl placed on top of a long stem. This design is used with champagne to allow the user to hold the champagne flute by the long stem without the heat from the user’s hand to warm the champagne inside. Interesting fact, wouldn’t you agree? This article contains information on the history and application of champagne flutes.Champagne flutes are smartly designed not only in their method of keeping heat away from the liquid but also in the shape of the bowl itself. By having a long, narrow bowl with a small opening, the champagne flute is better able to retain the carbonation in the champagne. Although the look of the champagne flute is unique and desirable, it is also designed with the intent of maximizing the effectiveness of retaining the contents of the champagne as well.
Formal engagements, ranging from awards ceremonies to weddings, are common places where champagne flutes can be found. Champagne flutes are designed very formally and their usage corresponds with this. Champagne is a drink that is commonly served at such formal events, leaving no wonder as to why champagne flutes can almost always make a presence.
Other Stemware
As has been mentioned, champagne flutes are a form of stemware. Champagne flutes are joined in this category by many other popular drinkware such as wine glasses, chalices, goblets, brandy snifters, and cocktail glasses (such as martini and margarita glasses). All such stemware is designed in the same manner but each retains their own unique look that is associated with the drinks they contain. All stemware is designed to be held by the stem so as to keep the drinks cooler for longer.
An alternative to the champagne flute, called a champagne coupe, used to be commonly associated with champagne as well. However, the champagne coupe became less used due to its design. The coupe has a wide, saucer shaped bowl and is no longer preferred because this wide bowl, when compared to the narrow opening of the flute, is poorly designed to preserve the aroma and bubbles of the champagne.
Champagne
Champagne flutes go hand in hand with the beverage they contain, champagne. In fact, many people are so serious about this relationship between the holder and the beverage that they will only allow champagne to be served in champagne flutes. Simply put, the champagne flute is designed for champagne and you can’t split one from the other.
Champagne itself is a sparkling wine that originated and is named after the Champagne region of France. The drink is made by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to carbonation, creating the “bubbly” effect that is associated with champagne. Champagne, as a term, is commonly associated with most forms of sparkling wine, however many prefer its use to only be for that of the sparkling wine that is made exclusively in the Champagne region.
Champagne has been commonly used in formal events for many centuries, and due to its popularity it is no wonder that a specially designed drinkware, the champagne flute, would emerge. Dating back to the middle ages, the sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France became very popular with the kings and other royalty of the time. They greatly appreciated the light, crisp taste of the unique wine. Ever since, champagne has been a beverage that constantly makes an appearance at all sorts of formal events.
Not only has the drinking of champagne become a favorite pastime, but the opening of the champagne bottle has also become a very festive events. The carbonation used in the champagne stores up inside the bottle prior to it being opened and does not escape due to the champagne cork. When this cork is removed, which can sometimes result in the cork becoming a projectile when it isn’t done carefully, it is common that some champagne will spray from the bottle. Champagne spraying is commonly used in celebrations of major events and victories, such as winning a championship in a sporting event.
Brands of Champagne
The champagne houses that produce the champagne have become nearly as historic and popular as the champagne itself. These houses can be found all over the Champagne region of France. The houses, such as Ayala, Charles Lafitte, and Lucien Gentils, just to name a few, are historic companies that have been making the champagne for many hundreds of years. Each house uses a combination of three primary grapes, chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier, to make their wines.
These three grapes can be used in a variety of combinations to produce the wines. In addition, there are also five other forms of grapes that are permitted in the making of champagne, however they are much less commonly used. Due to the difference in production of champagne, each champagne house has a slightly unique taste and each sets itself apart from the others, creating the contrast that occurs between the different champagne houses and the resulting taste of consumers towards which brand they prefer.
Champagne Flutes and Weddings
Champagne has been associated with weddings for many years, however it is the champagne flutes themselves which have also become attached to this memorable event. Champagne flutes in weddings are commonly used for the toasting that occurs at the weddings. Champagne flutes have become synonymous with wedding toasts and can be found being used as a toasting glass at almost any wedding.
In all, champagne flutes are incredibly unique and interesting drinkware that are designed from the ground up to be the perfect match for the elegant, classy drink known as champagne.
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