How to Open a Bottle of Champagne

If you have ever been intimidated about opening a bottle of champagne, you’re not alone. But do not fear, with a few simple tips, the mystery of the exploding bottle of champagne will be debunked. You’ll be opening bottles in no time.

Chilled Champagne Means Less Mess

If you are worried about making a mess, take note that chilled champagne is less likely to spill out when opened than warm champagne. Besides the less mess factor, chilled champagne is much more enjoyable to drink.

Keeping your bottle in the fridge will get it to almost the optimum temperature to drink. Most fridges are kept at around 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit), and a good temperature to serve bubbly at is around 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit). Leaving the bottle out at room temperature for 5 minutes or so before serving will bring it to just the right temperature to serve.

Removing the Cork Under Control

Once you’ve chilled your bottle, now you can start working on getting the cork out. Usually there is a metal wire system to keep the cork in place. You need to remove this system before you do anything else. Removing the wire generally does not trigger the cork to dislodge, but it’s a good idea to point the cork away from people and breakables just in case. Some people place a towel over the top of the bottle in the event it pops early. The towel will slow the cork down and will be handy to clean up any escaping liquid.

Twist the Bottle

There is a way to help ensure the cork doesn’t go flying. Instead of turning the cork with your hand, hold the cork firmly and turn the bottle. When you turn the cork, each time you let go to twist it again is a potential time the cork could go flying. By holding on to the cork the whole time, you will lessen the chance of the cork coming loose when you aren’t expecting it.

Turn the bottle slowly and under control. A small popping noise should take place when the cork comes out. Although a loud noise is sometimes considered festive, a small noise means most of the bubbly gases are retained in the drink, which is where you want it.

That’s all there is to it! Cold temperature as well as keeping the cork under control are the two main keys to successfully opening a bottle of champagne.

Serve the bubbly in champagne flutes, not wine glasses. They showcase the wonderful bubbles as they cascade up the long glass.

For information on how to open wine, as well as other articles such as home wine racks, visit our wine articles section.