Here’s Why You Should Never Pour Champagne Into a Tilted Glass

There’s a peculiar elegance to champagne—a sense of ritual and refinement that elevates it from “just another drink” to the hallmark of celebration. Yet, the question of how to pour it has sparked debates worthy of a court trial. Should you tilt your glass or keep it upright? While some swear by the tilt as if it were gospel, we’re here to argue the other side: champagne glasses should stay upright. Yes, it might ruffle a few feathers in the world of wine aficionados, but science and tradition agree—it’s time to let those bubbles take center stage.

The Anatomy of the Bubble

Champagne isn’t just a drink—it’s a liquid performance art. The magic lies in its bubbles, which are born from dissolved carbon dioxide and provide the fizzy charm we love. Tilting the glass while pouring might seem like a practical move to control the foam, but doing so actually stifles the very essence of champagne.

Pouring into an upright glass encourages the natural release of bubbles, allowing their aromas to bloom and the effervescence to carry those delicate scents upward. By tilting the glass, you’re essentially deflating your champagne’s personality. Why would you muzzle the star of the show?

Flavor Is in the Foam

The foam at the top of a freshly poured glass of champagne isn’t just frothy fluff; it’s a gateway to the wine’s complexity. It’s during this initial fizz that aromatic compounds are released, creating a sensory experience that’s as much about the nose as the palate.

When you tilt the glass, the reduced agitation means fewer bubbles break at the surface, limiting the aromatic release. Sure, you might end up with less foam, but what’s champagne without its dramatic entrance? You wouldn’t fast-forward through the opening act of a concert, would you?

Old-School Etiquette

Champagne has been poured upright for centuries, and there’s something to be said for respecting the ritual. Tilting the glass feels like cutting corners, a shortcut that undermines the gravitas of the moment. The upright pour not only showcases the champagne’s effervescence but also respects the intention of its makers. Winemakers labor over every detail to ensure the perfect bubble structure. Tilting? That’s like framing a Monet with cardboard.

The Science Behind The Foam

One argument in favor of tilting is that it minimizes foam and allows for a faster pour. But here’s the thing—foam isn’t the enemy. That frothy layer atop your glass isn’t wasteful; it’s the champagne’s way of stretching its legs after being trapped under pressure.

Studies (yes, actual scientific studies!) have shown that the upright pour preserves more carbon dioxide in the liquid, keeping your champagne livelier for longer. Tilted pours might give you a flat glass faster, and no one wants to toast with something that’s already lost its sparkle.

The Aesthetic Argument

Let’s not forget the visual allure of pouring champagne. A slow, upright pour creates a mesmerizing cascade of bubbles that dance their way up the glass. It’s as much a part of the experience as the taste itself. Tilting the glass? It’s the cinematic equivalent of skipping the best scene in the movie. Pouring upright invites anticipation, the sense that something extraordinary is happening in that flute. And isn’t that what champagne is all about—celebrating the extraordinary?

What the Opposing Camp Says

To be fair, proponents of tilting argue that it’s a practical method to avoid spilling or wasting champagne. They also claim that less foam means less mess and more wine in the glass. It’s the utilitarian argument: efficiency over ceremony. While that might work for a casual beer pour, champagne isn’t about practicality—it’s about indulgence. Besides, a little foam never hurt anyone. It’s part of the theater, the pizzazz, the reason champagne is synonymous with celebration.

Think of champagne as a lively guest at a party. The upright pour lets its personality shine, while tilting risks muting its sparkle. The bubbles are its character, its charm, its joie de vivre. A tilted pour might seem like a minor compromise, but it adds up to a muted experience—a glass that feels more like a chore than a celebration.