Bubbly basics

CHAMPAGNE: HOW TO BUY, STORE, SERVE AND TOAST

(Men's Health)

Buy: Louis Roederer's Brut Premier Non Vintage champagne (about $35 a bottle), which is the pick of Monty Waldin, author of Organic Wine Guide. It's a bubbly blend (hence "nonvintage") of French wines, and people with nothing better to do rave about it in wine-snob chat groups.
Store: In a cool, dry place, and don't refrigerate it until party day. Fridge vibrations can damage wine. An hour before you pop the cork, place the champagne in a bucket half-filled with equal parts water and ice.
Serve: Hold the bottle at an angle, grip the cork, and twist. You'll ease it out with a subtle, thoughtful pop -- which is appropriate when you're straddling past and future, reflection and anticipation. Pour a tiny bit of fizz into each champagne flute; revisit when the foam settles.
Toast: John Bridges, author of A Gentleman Raises His Glass, recommends that you... Steer away from trite speeches: Never say, "Out with the old, in with the new." Make it brief: People want to get on with the evening and drink the champagne. Avoid Carrot Top moments: There is a difference between lightheartedness and wit. And not everybody is witty. Connect: Pull other people -- present, or sadly absent -- into the toast.


Cheers!!

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Hi Susan,

I just heard your tips for opening Champagne. I have a couple to add:

1) As you said, it is very important to angle the bottle when opening (relieves some of the pressure) but don't try to twist the CORK off. Instead, put a small towel over the cork, hold the cork firmly in your left hand (if your right-handed) and twist the BOTTLE. The towel is to help your grip and catch the cork if you lose hold of it.

2) Never use soap to wash the inside of the champagne glasses. Even the tiniest bit of residual soap will cause all of the bubbles to instantly effervesce out of the wine. That's why you should never put the glasses in the dishwasher. I recommend to wash by hand and only wash the outside of the glass and the rim with a slightly soapy sponge or cloth. The inside of the glass should be washed with only hot water.

Have a Happy New Year!



Jean-Marie