Choosing Champagne Glasses
As mentioned in the earlier article, the tall, thin shape of the glass helps to show off bubbles as well as helping the fizz stay in the drink for a longer period of time. But almost all champagne flutes on the market are long and thin, so what factors do you consider when choosing a set at the store?
Shop with a few Champagne Glass Factors in Mind
Balanced
One problem with some glasses on the market is improper balancing when filled with champagne. You do not want the glass to be too top heavy when full; otherwise it will be awkward to hold the drink by the stem, which is the proper way to hold them. If a glass seems top heavy even when empty, you may want move on to the next set.
Top Opening
The diameter of the top of the glass should be a size which is comfortable to drink out of. Some glasses may have too small of an opening to drink properly from. Less than 1.5 inches may be considered too small for most people. The top diameter should not be too large or the bubbles will escape too readily. 2.5 inches is a fair size; don’t go much larger.
Stems
Tall, fragile stems may seem very attractive, but just wait until you try washing them. As much as we want an elegant glass, we don’t want to lose glasses through breakage. Also, too thin and fragile and your guests won’t feel comfortable holding them. Come to a compromise between height, stem thickness and practicality.
Color
Most flutes are clear – mainly because it shows off the attractive color of the champagne as well as the cascading bubbles. Take this into consideration before buying colored glasses. You may desire a colored glass to match table settings - a factor which may be more important to you than showing off the color of the liquid.
Personal Taste
Barring the above factors, you should choose a set of champagne
glass flutes that you love. Elegance is truly in the eye of the beholder.
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