When it comes to enjoying a glass of champagne, there are certain etiquettes that can enhance your experience. One common question that often arises is whether you should hold a champagne glass by the stem or not. Well, the answer is simple: yes, you are indeed supposed to hold a champagne glass by the stem.
Why, you may ask? Holding a champagne glass by the stem has both practical and aesthetic reasons. Firstly, champagne is best served chilled, and by holding the glass by the stem, you can avoid warming the drink with the heat from your hand. The stem offers a convenient handle to hold the glass without interfering with the temperature of the champagne, ensuring that you can savor its crispness and delicate flavors.
Additionally, holding the champagne glass by the stem helps to maintain the visual appeal of the drink. As you may know, champagne is known for its effervescence and beautiful bubbles dancing elegantly in the glass. By grasping the stem instead of the bowl, you minimize the chances of smudging the glass with fingerprints, allowing the bubbles to shine through.
Speaking of the glass itself, let’s explore the different types commonly used for serving champagne. The two main contenders are the champagne flute and the champagne coupe.
The Champagne Flute
The champagne flute is a tall, slender glass with a narrow bowl and a long stem. This design is specifically tailored to enhance the sensory experience of drinking champagne. Holding the flute by the stem ensures that the drink stays colder for longer, as your hand’s heat is kept away from the liquid. The elongated shape also helps to preserve the carbonation and aroma, allowing the bubbles to rise gracefully towards the surface, releasing their delightful bouquet.
Furthermore, holding a champagne flute by the stem provides better control over the glass, preventing accidental spills and ensuring that you can gracefully lift the glass to your lips to enjoy each sip of the bubbly.
The Champagne Coupe
The champagne coupe, often referred to as a saucer or shallow bowl, has a wider opening and a shorter stem compared to the flute. While holding a champagne coupe by the stem is still preferable, some argue that holding it by the rim is equally acceptable due to its different design.
However, it is important to note that the champagne coupe’s wider surface area and shallow bowl can cause the champagne to lose its carbonation more quickly, resulting in a less effervescent and potentially flat drink. Therefore, it is still advisable to hold the champagne coupe by the stem to maintain the desired temperature and effervescence.
When it comes to pouring champagne into a glass, it’s worth mentioning that you should never fill it all the way up. Leaving some space at the top allows the bubbles to develop and prevents the drink from overflowing when you take a sip.
In conclusion, yes, you are supposed to hold a champagne glass by the stem. By doing so, you can preserve the temperature, maintain the appearance, and fully appreciate the delightful effervescence of this iconic celebratory drink. So, the next time you raise a glass of champagne in a toast, remember to hold it by the stem and enjoy every sip!
