Champagne Glasses

Let's face it: serving champagne out of plastic tumblers or collector's series McDonald's cups (featuring the Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese, naturally) just isn't classy. But before buying a set of champagne glasses  just for special occasions, there are a few things you should consider. Questions such as "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.  Luckily, this guide is here to address these kinds of questions and offer you suggestions on the distinctive and elegant designs  you can find available for purchase.  Not only that, but we'll give you tips on how best to care for your flutes after you've purchased them, so in no time at all, you'll be an entertaining pro.

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 flute . For older vintages, 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 slows the loss of effervescence.	Champagne Saucer/Coupe Though the coupe  is what most people think of when they imagine a champagne glass (and it's historical too! Legend has it the shape was modeled after Marie Antoinette's breast), they are not the ideal vessel for serving sparkling beverages. They have too much surface area at the top, which means the bubbles 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 flutes (although a traditional one will do just fine for serving sparkling wine). Sparkling wine glasses actually allow the wine to fill the bowl's base. 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.

Tips for Care and Storage

Once you're plunked down the money, you'll want to make sure you can keep your stemware as pristine as possible. Here are a few pointers for cleaning and storing champagne glasses.

• First of all, use these flutes as much as possible! There are tons of occasions to celebrate, and you'll want to be sure to enjoy your investment.
• Though most glasses should be fine to run through the dishwasher, if you are hesitant to do so, hand washing  is just fine.
• Soon after use, wash your flutes in warm, soapy water. Take care to rinse them thoroughly, then hand dry with a lint-free cloth  to prevent water spots.
• To prevent breakage, avoid exposure to rapid changes in temperature. Never take glasses out of a hot dishwasher and put them in the freezer, and never chill champagne flutes.
• You can either use stemware racks  or champagne glass chests  for storage.

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!

The Schott Zwiesel Bar Special Tritan Saucer Champagne Glass  will add a little bit of old-time elegance to your next special rendezvous.	The InsideOut Champagne Glass  is made by Alissia Melka-Teichroew and will ensure your drink stays chilled in an artful way!	LSA Individual Moya Flutes  are handmade and will provide a contemporary touch to your next toast.

The Schott Zwiesel Fortissimo Tritan Champagne Flute  is elegant and iconic--a timeless classic.	The Float Champagne Flute  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.

From Traditional to Trendy

When you're tired of traditional champagne glasses, modernize your collection with stemless flutes . While champagne glasses are meant to be held by their stems, these trendy beverage holders feature a glass bowl  and nothing else. The bowls often have narrow bases , unlike those of stemless wine glasses, which are wider and rounded. However, as with all great things, there is a downside: stems guard against warmth emitted by the hand and prevent champagne from losing its bubbles. Without a stem, the drink will go flat.

Many stemless champagne glasses  have engravings, etchings, or other patterns .

Other variations of the champagne glass include:

• A Novel Glass: If you're throwing a theme party, putting out those delicate crystal (and very expensive) glasses is a risky move. Instead of gambling with your best barware, invest in a few novelty champagne flutes . From colored glasses  to embellished flutes to those with gold-lined rims , these are fun and festive , and can be used for just about any occasion or party.

• Personalize It: Need a present for an upcoming wedding or loved one's birthday? Personalized champagne glasses  make great gifts friends and family can cherish for years to come. Most feature laser etchings of monograms , names, or special dates.

Top Sellers

Libbey Vina Trumpet Champagne Flute  Libbey's Trumpet Flute is part of the Vina series. It holds just over six ounces of liquid.	Riedel Vinum Champagne Glass  Riedel's champagne glass is made in Bavaria. The lead crystal is machine-blown and the design is said to enhance taste.	Waterford Wishes Flutes Happy Celebrations Pair  These Waterford champagne glasses are crystal and feature cuts that represent the drink's bubbles.	Vera Wang by Wedgewood Love Knots Toasting Flute Pair  The base of these Vera Wang flutes are silver-plated and accented with a bow. They come gift-boxed, making them great gifts.	Spiegelau Festival Champagne Flute  Spiegelau's flute set has a narrow design with smooth laser-cut rims. Holds up to six ounces and is made from lead-free crystal.

Major Manufacturers

Related Guides

Sparkling Wine Buying Guide	Wine Openers Buying Guide	Wine Storage Buying Guide	Wine Preservation Buying Guide	Wine Buying Guide

International Resources

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DE: Sektgläser