Champagne Glasses

Let's face it: serving champagne out of plastic tumblers or collectors series McDonald's glasses featuring the Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese just isn't classy. But before buying a set of fancy glasses just for special occasions, there are a few things you should consider. Questions like "What's the best shape for a champagne glass?" and "Should it be more round at the bottom or square?" aren't quite as intuitive as they may seem.  Luckily, this guide is here to address these kinds of questions and offer you suggestions on the distinctive and elegant designs you can find available for purchase online.  Not only that, but we'll give you tips on how best to care for your flûtes after you've purchased them, so in no time at all, you'll be an entertaining pro.

What Type of Glass to Buy?

Champagne Flûtes The general consensus on serving champagne is that it should always be served in a tall, narrow, tulip-shaped flûte.  For older vintages of champagne, a champagne glass with a slightly more bulbous bottom is used to release the bouquet. The narrow opening traps and concentrates the subtle aromas. This shape helps preserve the chill of the wine, showcases the bubbles more effectively than any other shape, and prevents the champagne from quickly losing its effervescence.	Champagne Saucer/Coupe Though the coupe is what most people think of when they imagine a champagne glass (and it's historical too!  Legend has it the shape was modeled after Marie Antoinette's breast), they are not the ideal vessel for serving sparkling beverages. They have too much surface area at the top, which means the bubbles escape very quickly. Everyone knows that flat champagne is no fun at all! In addition, the champagne will get warm very quickly.	Sparkling Wine Glasses Sparkling wine glasses  have more playful designs than traditional champagne glasses (although a traditional glass will do just fine for serving sparkling wine). Sparkling wine glasses actually allow the wine to fill the stem. This design may not be the best for quality wine, since most people want to avoid warming the wine their hands. You can always hold the glass at the base or at the rim.

Tips for Care and Storage

Once you're plunked down the money for these glasses, you'll want to make sure you can keep them as pristine as possible.  Read on for advice on cleaning and storing.

• First of all, use your stemware as much as possible!  There are tons of occasions to celebrate, and you'll want to be sure and enjoy your investment.
• Though most glasses should be fine to run through the dishwasher, if you are hesitant to do so, hand washing is just fine.
• Soon after use, wash your flûtes in warm, soapy water.  Take care to rinse them thoroughly, then hand dry with a lint-free cloth  to prevent water spots.
• To avoid breakage, avoid exposure to rapid changes in temperature (for example, never take glasses out of a hot dishwasher and put them in the freezer).  Never chill champagne flûtes.
• You can either use stemware racks  or champagne glass chests  for storage.

Time to Celebrate!

Are you looking for a champagne glass with pizazz?  Read on to see CHOW's top recommendations for striking glassware that is sure to make people sit up and take note.  Cheers!

The Schott Zwiesel Bar Special Tritan Saucer Champagne  glass will add a little bit of old time elegance to your next special rendez-vous.	The InsideOut Champagne Glass  is made by Alissia Melka-Teichroew and will ensure your drink stays chilled in a surprising-looking way!	LSA International's Moya Flûtes  are handmade and will provide a contemporary touch to your next toast.

The Schott Zwiesel Fortissimo Tritan Champagne Flûte  is elegant and iconic--a timeless classic.	The Float Champagne Flûte  by Molo Design features a bowl suspended within another layer of scratchless borosilicate glass.	The Botanical Champagne Glass  by Roost is hand-etched with a plant pattern, giving a touch of whimsy to the ceremony of Champagne.

Major Manufacturers

Related Guides

Sparkling Wine Buying Guide	Wine Openers Buying Guide	Wine Storage Buying Guide	Wine Preservation Buying Guide	Wine Buying Guide

External Links

• Epicurious.com: Guide to wine glasses, with a lovely illustration.
• TheWineDoctor.com: Extensive advice about wine, including info about buying wine glasses.
• BestWineGlass.com: Tips on buying glasses for different kinds of wine.
• Wikipedia.org: Wikipedia has an informative, although general, article on wine glasses.
• Chow.com: A guide to the most striking Champagne glasses.

International Resources

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DE: Sektgläser