How to open a bottle of Champagne

Nothing lifts the spirit like the sound of a champagne bottle being opened: that gentle pop never fails to raise a smile! Opening a bottle of champagne is not complicated, but it does require a little preparation. Read our simple guide to popping that cork in style.

Play

Preparing the bottle

Before you think about opening a bottle, always make sure that it has been chilled to the perfect temperature. Champagne is best served cool, but that doesn’t mean it should be close to freezing: too cold and the aromatic character of the wine will be muted; too warm and the crisp flavours begin to blur. To unleash the full potential of your champagne, chill the bottle to somewhere between 8 and 10°C.

When your bottle is chilled to perfection, you’re ready to get started on the serious business of popping that cork. Start by carefully peeling off the foil seal and untwisting the wire cage. Now hold the base of the bottle firmly in one hand, keeping a tight grip on the cork with your other hand. Many people mistakenly assume that you need to twist the cork free, but the best technique is actually to hold the cork in place while you gently turn the bottle from the base. Remember, to avoid any cork-related accidents you should always point the bottle up and away from yourself, ideally at a 45° angle. Keep on rotating the bottle, ever so gently, until you hear a slight “pop”.

If you are having difficulty easing the cork out of the neck of the bottle, try moistening the stopper using a cloth soaked in warm water. This should help to loosen up the cork.

How to pour Champagne

For the perfect pour, fill each glass halfway and then pause for a few seconds before topping it up. Try to keep the bottle as close to the rim of the glass as you can, tilting the glass slightly. You should find yourself with a halo of bubbles popping away at the top of each glass.

Bubbles are an essential part of what makes champagne great: they bring the aromatic compounds of the wine up to the surface, releasing them with a steady sparkle. Too much of a good thing is always a bad idea: pouring too fast will leave you with a head of foam, and take some of the vim and vigour out of the champagne.

Now you’ve eased out the cork and poured the perfect glass, sit back and savour the inimitable taste of Mumm Champagne.

Anticipation and reputation are all part of the tasting experience, and catching a glimpse of Mumm’s iconic red sash is enough to inspire great expectations. Mumm has a range of special cuvées and vintage bottlings, each offering a different perspective on the house’s distinctive style and panache. While you show off your champagne opening skills, tell your guests a little bit about the wine you are about to pour, and whet their appetites for the intense tasting experience to come.