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's 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.

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 Avoid these round, flat glasses that resemble martini glasses. They have too much surface area at the top, which allows bubbles to 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 Champagne 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.

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!

CHOW originally recommended the discontinued Crate & Barrel Pops Flûte. A suitable alternative is the Edge Flûte,  which combines the classic Champagne glass and modern hard edges.	The Schott Zwiesel Bar Special Tritan Saucer Champagne  will add a little bit of old timey elegance to your next special rendez-vous.	The InsideOut Champagne Glass  is made by Alissia Melka-Teichroew 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.	Reminiscent of Victorian glassware, the Brianna Champagne Saucer,  made by the Czech Republic-based Juliska company, truly makes a statement.

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 -- guide to wine glasses, with a lovely illustration.
• Wine Doctor -- extensive advice about wine, including info about buying wine glasses.
• Best Wine Glass -- tips on buying glasses for different kinds of wine.
• Wikipedia -- Wikipedia has an informative, although general, article on wine glasses.
• CHOW -- A guide to the most striking Champagne glasses.