The Liquid Muse

Get Saucy With Champagne Saucers

Marketing companies must love me. I buy what I see. In other words, I remember champagne being served to me only in 'flutes' since I was old enough to order it in public. So, when I got married last year, I made sure to register for a whole slew of beautiful champagne flutes at Crate and Barrel. Saucer shaped glasses didn't even enter my head. In fact, I'm not sure I even remember seeing any of them in the store. Besides, the round champagne glasses are very easy to spill (especially after a few glasses). Something I am prone to do.

I do see full sets of dusty champagne saucers in thrift stores (which I scour for my cocktail shaker collection, and array of antique blue and green glass bottles.) I've always passed the cobwebbed glasses by, imagining them newly arrived from the estate of a little, old granny. If even the relatives didn't want them, why would I? I sip bubbly from my gorgeous wedding flutes.

Well, once again, I have learned something worthy of sharing with the Sipster Community...

Flutes are actually meant for inexpensive, less complex sparkling wine. They are also ideal for champagne cocktails and mimosas, both of which call for 'the cheaper stuff.' (Never bother to use expensive champagne for the above - it would be a waste to "pollute" fine champange with anything.) There is absolutely nothing wrong with flutes. Tuliped champagne flutes are more versatile than the long, skinny ones. I'm not suggesting not to use flutes. However, here is something to keep in mind...

Saucers are designed for expensive, fine champagne. Just as many aged and complex red wines are decanted or served in big, sexy, grapefruit-shaped wine glasses, a high-end champagne needs to 'open up.' It needs to breathe. Give the good stuff some space for goodness sake!

And, one more thing. Avoid the hollow stemmed flutes at all costs! The body heat from your hand makes the bubbles go flat. Besides, like beer, warm champagne is just not the same. The same goes for "stemless" champagne glasses. Just like stemless white wine glasses, it is simply a bad idea. Stemless glasses are fine for reds, though, as they become more flavorful when going from a cool wine cellar to room (or body) temperature.

So, whether you are registering for a wedding, spoiling yourself with new stemware or want to indulge your friends in a bit of cocktail trivia... your champagne saucers could be part of a new (retro) trend!