For decades, maybe even centuries, the Champagne flute has been touted as the best way to enjoy Champagne. Fortunately, this way of thinking may be on the way out. Dr. Vino has a post about comparing Champagne served in a flute with Champagne served in a white wine glass, among other topics. It’s refreshing to see this issue raised, and I find hope in the fact that one of France’s major Champagne houses, Charles Heidsieck, is pushing the idea of changing to a standard wine glass.
Of course, this all begs the idea of whether wine glasses really do make a difference. The answer is a definite yes. I did a little experiment one time to find out. I poured some Australian Shiraz into a wine glass, and poured another portion in a regular water glass. The differences were very noticeable. And, in my view, the wine in the wine glass tasted better.
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I first tried this about 2 years ago when I realized most champagnes were made primarily from chardonnay grapes. I use the Riedel “Vinum Extreme” Chardonnay glass. I love champagnes this way. It seems to bring out more of the flavor of the wine. Glad to see I’m not alone!
Gary
I’ve been using my go-to glasses, the Riedel Overture Magnum Bordeaux glass. I may need to look into finding something closer to what you’re using. Of course, the problem is, some Champagnes are blanc de noirs, and thus are primarily Pinot Noir. Thus, a true Chardonnay glass may not be perfect for those wines.
Either way, use the flutes when you’re drinking average sparkling wine and want it to look pretty. But if you’re drinking good stuff, get out the tulip-shaped glasses!