Here’s a simple way to open that champagne bottle on New Year’s Eve:
1. Every bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine (with a few low-end exceptions) has foil wrapped around the outside of the cage. In the old days, some foil was lead-lined to keep mice from eating into the cork of wine, but in modern times you just remove the foil.
2. Keep the cork pointed in a safe direction, and keep one thumb on it just in case. Corks can loosen over time, so even if you think you’re not ready to pop the cork yet, the bottle may have a different idea.
3. Undo the wire cage. This cage ensures that the cork doesn’t pop out of the bottle until you are ready to have it do so. Loosen it gently, being sure to keep a thumb on the cork to prevent unexpected surprises.
4. Place a towel over the cork end. Hold the cork and towel in one hand and the base of the bottle in the other. Turn the bottle, not the cork, slowly and gently. You want the cork to ease off with a soft “whoof”, not with a pop.
5. The cork has just eased off. You have managed to save the bubbles and air from being lost and should now quickly pour it out. Slide the towel around to the neck of the bottle for pouring.
IMPORTANT! Never use a corkscrew on a bottle of champagne!
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