Let's Compare Champagne Glasses Vs Champagne Flutes!
Angelica Nohra
Wine Importer | Wine List Consultant | Speaker
Champagne is special. It deserves to be enjoyed in the best way possible and this means it's important to serve and drink Champagne out of the correct glass.
A big question is always glass or flute?
On a personal level, I like flutes. Flutes suggest celebration and Champagne, to me, is all about celebration so I see no problem with a flute. However; it's like sacrilege in France to drink Champagne out of a flute because it constricts the aromatics of the Champagne.
The best glass to use is half way between a glass and a flute, it's called a Tulip!
The tulip glass features a bowl that curves outward slightly above the midpoint, enabling some space for swirling, then curves back in at the top, directing the aromatics toward the nose. They also keep the bead bubbling from the base which is always a pleasure when drinking Champagne over a few hours.
Another fun option to make you feel like you have transported back in time are the crystal bowls for Champagne. These really open up the aromatics of the wine and just look very pretentious and fun! I do find they release the bubbles too much though and eventually, the champagne loses it's bubble.
I also really highlight the importance of using a crystal wine glass such as; Reidel or Plumm. Why? Crystal is a thinner material so it doesn't interact with your palate as much. Secondly, Champagne should only be drank from the best!
If all else fails and you have no other option, use a white wine glass so you can really enjoy the aromatics of your Champagne. Particularly for Vintage Champagne! That wine has been trapped for such a long time, it's time to open it up and let it breathe!!
A good glass needs good champagne!
Henri Abelé Champagne Est 1757. (3rd Oldest House in Reims, 5th oldest in Champagne)
Maison Abelé has two kilometres of underground cellars dug out of solid chalk in the heart of Reims. Devotion to excellence is natural in these ancient vaulted cellars. Made from the best crus in Champagne, Brut Traditionnel is ready to drink after three years of ageing under ideal conditions, away from light and variations in temperature.
Henri Abelé NV Brut
GRAPE VARIETIES
40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
TASTING NOTES
Appearance
Pale golden colour with greenish highlights.
Remarkably fine bubbles and a beautiful, persistent bead.
Bouquet
Attractive and luscious, with hints of hawthorn and acacia blossoms as well as overtones of peach and apricot.
Palate
Exceptional ripeness on the palate. Toasty, honey, and cinnamon flavours. This elegant cuvée has a full bodied, generous aftertaste.
Henri Abelé NV Blanc de Blancs
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Chardonnay (mainly from the Côte des Blancs)
TASTING NOTES
Appearance
Pale golden colour with green highlights.
Bouquet
Subtle nose with overtones of white flowers, hawthorn, and acacia.
Palate
The Chardonnay expresses itself beautifully in this cuvee featuring a wide range of flavours. Straightforward on the palate with plenty of finesse and freshness. Reminiscent of mineral overtones, the intense, long aftertaste is sure to delight lovers of blanc de blancs Champagne.
Henri Abele Brut Vintage 2006
GRAPE VARIETIES
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir (Premier Cru Plots)
TASTING NOTES
Appearance
A lovely pale yellow colour. Remarkably fine bubbles and a great long-lasting foam.
Bouquet
Power and complexity both feature strongly in this cuvée’s bouquet, which starts off with notes of citrus and orange blossom, before being joined by aromas of lime tree, verbena and gingerbread.
Palate
Frank and straightforward in the attack, with aromas of roasted coffee, liquorice and flint. Beautifully vinous and offers spicy notes, making this vintage Champagne most subtle and elegant.