Winebuzz

Veuve Clicquot Winemaker Demonstrates the Proper Way to Enjoy Champagne

Francois Hautekeur flies in to show us his champagne etiquette.

A nice bottle of bubbly is the ultimate way to begin Whenever there’s a celebration, we bring out the bubbly and share it with our guests. Champagne has become a favourite  choice when it comes to celebrating. However, it does take some finesse to uncork and pour champagne. Winemaker for Veuve Clicquot, Mr. Francois Hautekeur was here in Hong Kong yesterday. We caught up with him as he, along with celebrity model Ms. Amanda Strang, demonstrated for us the proper way to serve champagne.

First, chill the champagne:  Get an ice bucket and fill  half of the bucket with water and the other half with ice cubes. Let the bottle sit for 20 minutes. The perfect temperature to enjoy champagne is at  7°C.

To uncork: Opposite to what we see on TV, there should not be a “pop” as we uncork the bottle, “we want to do it as elegantly as possible,” explained Mr. Hautekeur – who consider the popping of champagne to be “vulgur”.  You should have your thumb placed on top of the cork while your other hand has its palm stabilizing the bottle at its base. Slightly tilt the bottle until you can feel that there’s enough pressure on the cork for you to gently tear it off at the tip. This way your champagne won’t foam up out of the bottle and all over your floor (or injure your guests).

To pour: Hold the bottle by its base. Pour without making contact with the side of the glasses. Pour only two fingers’ worth and wait for it to settle. When it stops foaming, fill the glass to about two-thirds of the way.

To enjoy: Appreciate the color of the champagne, the smell and taste. Pay particular attention to the smell as it is an important part of enjoying your champagne, it directly related to the taste of of of the champagne.

You’re all set now to show off your champagne pouring skills at your next celebration.