Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Opening the bottle
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Opening a champagne bottle is an important part of celebrating a special event. The effect is great, but opening the bottle can be tricky. Especially if you've never done it before. You have to turn the bottle, hold the cork and gently push the cork out of the bottle. If you don't have an interest in a champagne shower, make sure to hold the cork tight. Go for a "sigh" and not the "bang".

To step

Method 1 of 2: Opening the bottle

1. Remove the foil from the bottle and detach the iron cap (the muselet). Remove the foil from the cork. Unscrew the iron wire to loosen the protective cap over the cork. Do this in a calm manner and take your time. Keep your thumb on the cork so that it doesn't suddenly pop out.
   • Do not remove the cap before actually opening the bottle! There is a risk that the cork will spontaneously pop out while you are not ready for it yourself. The cap serves to protect the cork.
   EXPERT TIP

   Hold the bottle correctly. Hold the bottle with your dominant hand. Place the rounded end of the cork deep in the palm of your non-dominant hand.

   • Rest the bottom of the bottle against your hip. When holding the bottle in your right hand, use your right hip, or the right side of your body.
   • Consider holding the cork with a kitchen towel. This will help you apply a little more pressure and it is also easy to catch the cork as it pops out of the bottle. The cloth also serves as protection against spills.
2. Cool the bottle before opening it. Place the bottle in the refrigerator, cooler or in an ice bucket. Do this for at least a few hours so that the bottle is completely chilled. This not only benefits the taste, but it also ensures that the champagne does not spray in all directions.
3. Pour slowly. Champagne is carbonated.This causes this bubble-filled drink to rise the moment it is poured into a glass. Don't waste champagne. Certainly not if you pour it for someone else!
   • Keep the glass upright. Do not tilt the glass while pouring.
   • Put one third of champagne in the glasses. Then top up the glasses.
   • Do not touch the glass itself. Champagne is often kept in cellars and in some circles it does not show much class when you touch the glass itself. This could smear someone's glass.

Tips

• The less noise the better. Ideally, you only hear a soft hissing sound. This indicates that the wine has been sufficiently chilled so that you do not run the risk of this precious drink overflowing and ending up on the floor!

Warnings

• Don't let go of the cork when you twist it out. It can shoot out at great speed. If the cork is misaligned, it could just hit a valuable object. It can even happen that someone is seriously injured as a result. When opening the bottle, never aim at yourself or others.
• Do not let go of the bottle when the cork is about to come out. The bottle can shoot down and break.
• Do not pry the cork. Also, do not use a corkscrew to open the bottle.
• Do not open a bottle that has not been completely cooled. A warm bottle or one at room temperature is more likely to pop and create a fountain. When you open a champagne bottle, make sure that you have cooled it well first.

Necessities

• Chilled champagne
• Kitchen towel
• Champagne glasses