Champagne Etiquette by Laurent Valy, Champagne Lanson
Ideal temperature to serve: Before serving, the bottle should be properly chilled, either for three hours in the fridge or at least 30 minutes in an ice bucket. Don’t forget to fill the bucket with some water as well to ensure it cools down. Laurent Valy recommends between 6-8˚C for serving temperature.
How to store it: Depending on the type of champagne, you don’t need to store it as they have already been aged before being bottled and therefore don’t necessarily benefit from additional ageing. Lanson's champagnes are produced to be enjoyed right away, but can be kept up to 20 - 25 years if stored in good temperature/no light conditions. Lay the bottles horizontally in a cool, dry and dark place, as heat and light can affect the taste. The ideal temperature for storing is between 10 and 15°C.
Type of glass to use: Use a tulip-shaped champagne glass instead of flutes or coupes, as it enhances the aromas of the champagne and keeps the bubbles in. Always rinse the glasses with hot water before use and leave to drain. Do not dry them with a cloth or tea towel, as some of the fibres can stick to the glass and increase the effervescent stream of bubbles.
Food matches: Many think that champagne should only be enjoyed on its own for celebratory occasions, but matching it with food is becoming more of a norm and can enhance the flavour in both the champagne and the food. Laurent recommends the following pairings with Le Black Creation:
- Mushroom ravioli with parmesan shavings.
- Salmon fish & chips with sweet potato fries.
How to open a bottle properly: Open the wire around the muselet (the wire cage) but don’t immediately remove it. Hold the cork and the muselet together when opening. Twist the bottle, not the cork, with your dominant hand, and hold the bottle at an angle. While it’s fun to pop a bottle with great enthusiasm, a gentle hiss and discreet pop of the cork is the best way to preserve the bubbles.
How to serve it: Don’t chill the glasses in advance, as it can affect the bubbles. Also, don’t swirl the champagne around in your glass as you would with a glass of wine, as it will reduce the fizz in the glass. Pour delicately into a champagne glass.
How long it lasts once opened: Depending on the brand, an opened champagne bottle can last for a few days in the fridge as long as you use a champagne stopper, as it will prevent the bubbles from escaping the bottle. The old spoon-in-the-bottle doesn’t work, unfortunately.
