Thirsty tales

These are the best champagne glasses

There are few sounds that get me as excited as the hissing pop of a freshly opened bottle of champagne. At a close second: pouring it. But what should you pour it into? Tried and tested: six glasses to choose from and one to leave on the shelf.

Foto van culinair journalist Sharon van Lokhorst

door Sharon van Lokhorst

An old-fashioned flûte will do for a gluggable Prosecco. But for a decent champagne, the true enthusiast turns up their snobbish little nose. For convenience, I count myself among this group. The tall, narrow glass has the effect of a flat-bottomed pair of trousers. It takes away all the pleasure. In this case because the lively aromas pass your nose on the left and right. Such a shame! No, the alternatives below are much better. They all work like a slide, allowing the champers to glide perfectly into your mouth. My sincere apologies in advance for the price, cause they don’t come cheap. But you will have a drinking companion for life. And let’s be honest: isn’t that worth something too?

Lehmann Jamesse Grand Champagne

Philippe Jamesse is sommelier at the iconic Crayères star restaurant in Champagne, and every champagne house wants to be on its wine list. That is why they asked him to develop a champagne glass. The Jamesse glasses are not only beautiful and lightweight; more importantly, it is the shape that creates a masterful experience. Alongside the exclusive and pricey mouth-blown version (€ 29.75), there is also an affordable machine-made version (€ 9.75 each) for sale. You can order the champagne glasses here.

Libbey Speakeasy champagne glass

Apparently, the old-fashioned coupe glasses are based on the bust size of the unfortunate Queen Marie Antoinette. I think these glasses from Libbey are beautiful. They are named after Speakeasies, the illegal bars that were the way to drink alcohol during American Prohibition in the 1920s. Today, the term refers to creating a retro setting from that era, with top-quality cocktails. A champagne cocktail is therefore a brilliantly good idea in this glass. Stylish and delicious. With a sexy gold rim, and currently on sale at de Bijenkorf too: two glasses for just under twenty-five euros. Do be careful when toasting, though, because that is the only disadvantage of coupe glasses: your drink easily sloshes out. Just raise the glass, then.

Villeroy & Boch Grand Royal Platinum

Mouth-blown and made from the finest crystal, these beauties are also inspired by vintage barware. With their platinum-adorned rim, you are instantly transported to a hotel lounge from The Great Gatsby. A table worthy of a film set? Beautiful wine and water glasses from the same collection are also available. From € 49.90 each and available here. Keep them away from grabby children’s hands.

Darsonville champagne glass

It is no coincidence that top restaurants such as Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris use this glass for their finest champagnes. Connoisseurs unanimously agree: this glass, designed by James Darsonville, is not only the best white wine glass, but also the best glass for champagne. The sandblasted base ensures that the ‘train of bubbles’ forms in this spot. The glass’s strongly tapering shape makes the wine’s aromas especially powerful. It costs a bit (€ 37.95 each!), but you get what you pay for. Order here.

Zalto champagne glass

Sommeliers are fans, and so am I: the crystal, mouth-blown and ultra-light glasses from Austrian brand Zalto. Despite being so thin, Zalto glasses are incredibly strong. An extra plus: they are dishwasher-safe. The downside: after this, you will never want anything else. € 33.40 each and available here.

Riedel Veritas champagne glass

The taste of wine is influenced by various factors, including the temperature at which the wine is served. But, as mentioned, the glass you drink it from is also important. The Riedel family went one step further and designed glasses for specific grape varieties to allow the flavors and aromas of each wine to shine at their best. Riedel—who didn’t grow up with it? Top-quality glasses! Currently on offer: two glasses for € 39.20, available from de Bijenkorf.