Above: Elise Losfelt of Moët & Chandon.
2. Best way to open.
When opening your bottle of Moët & Chandon, make sure you keep the cage on! The cage helps you control the cork so it doesn’t fly out when it pops, and also gives you leverage to help separate the cork from the bottle. When removing the cork, hold the top of the cage with your thumb to keep the cork in place and untwist the wire six times. Then hold the cage and cork together in one hand while using the other to twist the bottle’s base in a circular direction away from the cork to slowly work the cork out. Twisting the bottle instead of the cork allows you to more gently remove the cork and have more control.
3. Where to store.
A common misconception when storing is to leave it in the fridge. If you’re planning to enjoy your bottle of champagne immediately (within 3 or 4 days after buying it) storing it in the refrigerator is fine. But if it sits there for weeks the cork can dry out as there is no humidity in refrigerators. As corks dry out, the seal between the bottle and the cork loosen up and the champagne will oxidize faster, changing its aromas. Instead, keep it in a cool place in your home, away from any light, and where the temperature is consistent.
4. The ideal temperature.
Once you’re ready to enjoy your champagne, the best way to chill your bottle is to fill an ice bucket with ice and one-third water and allow your bottle to cool for 15-20 minutes. Moët & Chandonshould be served around 50⁰ F.
5. Pouring.
When pouring, only fill your glass about one-third of the way full. If you over-pour, it will warm up too quickly!
6. Hold the stem!
Also, remember to hold your glass by the stem and not by the bowl because your hands will warm the champagne up too quickly. And, holding the glass by the stem will make you look oh so elegant!
7. The stopper.
In between pours, don’t forget to use a good champagne stopper to preserve all the delicious bubbles! A stopper will keep your open bottle fresh for about 1 day, in case you don’t finish in one sitting.
8. Drink champagne with your dinner!
Enjoy throughout an entire meal! Many people think they should only enjoy Champagne as an aperitif but that it is not the only way to drink it. It pairs beautifully with foods like fish, meat, grilled vegetables, and risotto, and can bring out new flavors you’ve never tasted in these foods!
9. Best foods to pair with bubbly.
Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with food pairings. Oysters and caviar are fantastic with it, and more casual foods like truffle fries, fried chicken and cheese are equally delicious with Champagne! Champagne loves oily, salty and fatty foods as they bring out the wine’s fruitiness and freshness, so foods like burgers, tacos, BBQ sauce, and lobster are exciting new pairings to try that champagne connoisseurs have been enjoying for years!
10. Celebrate every day.
If you have a bottle of it in your refrigerator, don’t wait for a special occasion to enjoy it. You will see that by opening that bottle, the special occasion will come to you. Celebrate life every day!
For more about Moet & Chandon
All photos courtesy of Moët & Chandon
