Champagne Flutes

One of the more elegant examples of glassware, champagne flutes may look as if they are designed for impact but, in fact, there is a practical purpose to them being that shape. Here we take a brief look at how the champagne flute evolved and why it remains the way it is after many years of use. The traditional shape of champagne flutes is that of a tall and slim glass on a long stem with a narrow bowl; this has been, in some form, the shape of champagne flutes for hundreds of years, yet it is fascinating to see how it has evolved.

In the early days of champagne production and consumption the drink was considerably less lively than it is now; the modern short name of ‘bubbly' would not have applied, hence pouring the drink successfully would have been much easier.

It was only as the 17 th century wore on that the introduction of a second fermentation was introduced to the wines of the Champagne region, and it is here that the sparkling qualities began to take shape.

Champagne flutes are designed to help keep the drink fizzy and lively, by having a narrow opening that does not encourage the escape of gases; this is one school of thought that, in truth, has no basis in scientific fact, yet may have been the original reason for introducing the champagne flute as the standard way of serving the drink. It is a nice story, however, and one that adds gravitas to the development of the champagne flute.

In the modern age champagne flutes are still very much as they were towards the end of the 17th century, and this has become established in our minds as how to drink champagne. The alternative, the champagne bowl, also knows as a champagne coupe or champagne saucer – with its wide and low bowl – is primarily ceremonial vessel only.

 

 

 

Glassware and champagne flutes

Modern champagne flutes are available in many different price ranges, from the expensive high quality crystal champagne flutes for the connoisseur to the more basic and affordable glass champagne flutes for the everyday drinker, and it is also a fact that there are collectors of vintage glassware and champagne flutes.

It is natural that glass gets broken, and this is one reason why vintage champagne flutes fetch very high prices at auction; another is that they are very attractive designs indeed.

Looking at champagne flutes is like analysing curves as they naturally occur; the lines are almost perfect in their display and function and they present a very elegant and beautiful object. The shape of the glass – tall and thin – also prevents the ability to ‘glug' at champagne, as champagne flutes are meant to be elegantly sipped at!

Engraved champagne flutes make attractive presents – for a 21st birthday, a wedding or any other special occasion – and can be had from many fine makers, and a set of champagne flutes is essential in any household where the dinner party is part and parcel of the social whirl.

Tall and elegant, functional and beautiful, champagne flutes reflect a world of high class drinking and ceremony that has its roots in the annals of history.