How to Open a Champagne Bottle
Simple, Safe, and Easy Steps for Opening a Bottle of Champagne
Dec 30, 2008
Opening Champagne can seem so fraught with frustration and peril that comical clichés have arisen from the process. The cork shoots uncontrollably from the bottle, at best becoming a festive projectile and at worst putting nearby eyes at risk of injury. Immediately afterward, a plume of foamy liquid gushes out, an occurrence that from the best possible perspective announces the start of celebration—and, in a starker reality, means that delicious and costly bubbly has been irretrievably lost.
But all needn’t be lost, and nearby eyes need not be put in peril, when a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine is opened. There is actually a logical way to go about opening a Champagne bottle. The step-by-step process also applies to opening sparkling wine.
The Difference Between Champagne and Sparkling Wine
It’s worth noting here briefly the difference between sparkling wine and Champagne. True Champagne is produced in the French region of the same name, following a practice, called the méthode Champenoise, by which a secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, producing the bubbles. Other sparkling wines, including Italian prosecco, Spanish cava, and great California sparkling wine, may or may not get the bubbles in the same way; but, not having been produced in the Champagne region, they can’t legitimately be called Champagne.)
Opening a Champagne Bottle Step by Step
So, here’s the simple, correct way to open that Champagne or sparkling wine bottle:
- Chill it. Before anything else, chill the bottle in the refrigerator for several hours or in an ice bucket (half ice cubes, half water) for about half an hour. Chilling not only brings the beverage to the ideal drinking temperature but also makes the bubbles less volatile than they are at warmer temperatures, so the wine will be less likely to gush. Also, the simple act of leaving the bottle undisturbed for a length of time also keeps those bubbles calmer.
- Wipe it dry. Remove the bottle from the fridge or from the ice bucket. Use a clean kitchen towel to wipe the bottle dry so it isn’t slippery.
- Remove the foil. Tear off the foil that covers the cork and the wire “cage” that helps keep the cork securely in place. The foil on some bottles includes a pull-tab and perforations to help remove it; if not, just slit the foil and pull it off, or use the wire loop on the cage as a starting point for tearing the foil.
- Remove the cage and metal cap. While keeping one thumb close to the cork to hold it down in case the pressure in the bottle starts to push out, untwist the wire loop at the side of the cage. Then, spread the bottom of the cage away from the bottle and lift it off, along with the metal cap covering the top of the cork.
- Grip the cork firmly. With one hand, securely grasp the cork. The towel used to wipe the bottle may help secure a firmer grip.
- Turn the bottle. While grasping the cork firmly and turning it in one direction, use the other hand to turn the bottle in the opposite direction. This will loosen the cork, and pressure inside the bottle will start to push it out.
- Ease out the cork. Do not let the cork pop or shoot out. A secure grip on it, and slight downward pressure, will help it ease out slowly with a gentle popping sound—and without any likely loss of Champagne. (Just in case a little does flow out, the towel or napkin already close by will catch it, avoiding a mess.)
Choosing the Right Glass
The Champagne or sparkling wine is now ready to pour. The best glass for savoring it is the tall, slender kind known as a Champagne flute, which promotes sipping and—because bubbles rise primarily from the narrow bottom—keeps it bubbly longer.
Looking for another great way to enjoy Champagne or sparkling wine? Check out Easy Champagne Cocktail Recipes. Want to learn more about Champagne tradition? See A Guide to Champagne Bottle Sizes.
Drink responsibly. Cheers!
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