Like doing anything for the first time, opening a bottle of champagne for the first time can be an intimidating idea. One wrong move and you could end up accidentally popping the cork directly at someone!
The good news is that there’s an easy, step-by-step method to avoid inviting “champagne mayhem” in opening a bottle of bubbly.
First, given the explosive pressure build-up inside a champagne bottle – so much pressure that winemakers secure the cork with a wire cap – it’s advised to always point the bottle away from any surrounding spectators.
In the process of opening it’s possible to lose control of the cork and no one wants a black eye – especially during a celebratory moment! So point the bottle away from onlookers.
Remove the bottle from an ice bucket and place your thumb over the top as you wipe off the bottle. It’s important for the bottle to be dry and not slip in your hands.
Continue to keep the cork secured with the thumb while untwisting the wire that is holding the cork in place. This will take about 6 turns of the wire to fully loosen and remove the wire.
Hold the cork in place one hand (the right if your right-handed) and grip the bottom of the bottle with the other hand.
Begin twisting the bottle slowly from the BOTTOM of the bottle - not twisting the cork but rather keeping it steady and still – this will very slowly release the pressure and allow you to open the cork with a “sigh” rather than a “bang”. In fact, that slow “pssssst” release of pressure will indicate that you’re a pro (even though the “bang” gives a definite, hedonistic satisfaction!)
The real reason to go for the “sigh” rather than the “bang” is that the champagne will not overflow, meaning you won’t lose one delightfully precious drop!
Still, if the bottle was agitated before starting this process it’s possible that the fizz will flow out. Just be sure to have a glass handy and near to catch the fluvial surge of bubbles in a flute…it’s such a pity to waste them!
Contributed by Ed Soon (TLN Nose a.k.a. Broad Nose) and Sarah Mayo, TLN Editor
