Experts suggest that using tall, slender flutes for sipping champagne may not be the best idea, as the design of the glass can make it difficult to appreciate the wine. Richard Hemming, a sommelier at 67 Pall Mall Singapore, believes that flutes are not suitable for drinking champagne as they make it challenging to drink and smell the aroma of the wine properly. The narrow opening of flutes concentrates the bubbles and affects the flavor of the champagne, making it a less than ideal choice for sipping bubbly. Instead, Hemming recommends using a universal wine glass for a better overall drinking experience.
While it may seem unconventional to use a larger wine glass for champagne, experts like Hemming and Cameron Nadler, the wine director at Zero Bond and Sartiano, advocate for it. They argue that a wider glass allows the beverage to express itself more clearly, allowing sippers to fully experience the wine as intended by the producer. Nadler suggests that using a good all-purpose wine glass can enhance the flavors of the champagne and provide a better drinking experience overall. Additionally, high-quality glassware, such as Zalto glasses, can further enhance the enjoyment of champagne.
Sales of champagne have declined in recent months, with luxury goods company LVMH reporting a 12% drop in sales in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. The lack of celebratory moments due to the current global situation has been cited as a possible reason for this decline. LVMH speculated that geopolitical and macroeconomic factors may be affecting people’s willingness to celebrate and open bottles of champagne, leading to a decrease in sales. The association of champagne with celebration and happiness may be contributing to the decline in consumption during uncertain times.
Despite the popularity of traditional champagne flutes, which are often associated with elegance and sophistication, experts believe that using a larger glass for sipping champagne can provide a better overall experience. The design of flutes makes it difficult to appreciate the wine, as the narrow opening limits the ability to swirl, smell, and taste the champagne properly. By using a universal wine glass, sippers can enjoy the full range of flavors and aromas of the champagne, enhancing the drinking experience and allowing the wine to express itself more clearly.
Using quality glassware is also essential for enjoying champagne to its fullest potential. High-quality glasses, such as Zalto glasses, are preferred by experts for their ability to enhance the aroma and taste of the wine. While champagne flutes are not completely obsolete, many sommeliers and wine directors recommend using larger wine glasses for a more enjoyable drinking experience. The shift towards using universal wine glasses for champagne may help to redefine the traditional way of sipping bubbly and provide a new perspective on how to appreciate this classic beverage.
