My Champagne never seems to have much fizz...
Champagne fizz fading
J Powell, Cardiff, asks: I have a problem with my Champagne glasses, I think – the wine never seems to have much fizz. Even washing them by hand doesn’t seem to help.
Champagne expert, Michael Edwards, replies: To solve the problem of fading fizz, start with the right type of glass.
The false wisdom is to recommend the flute. This cylindershaped glass is supposed to guard the fizz with less surface area to air, but in practice you get a whoosh of dissipating mousse and sharp acidity that masks the flavour.
Much better is a tulip glass that tapers at the top to preserve aroma and flavour – always used by the Champenois.
Looking after your wine glasses
Hand washing/rinsing the glass in hot water (no detergent), then drying/ polishing with a clean towel is ideal. A dishwasher on a good rinse cycle will also pose few problems.
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