Champagne, first discovered in the 5th Century by Romans of Northeast France, is a sparkling wine made with primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, and manufactured in its namesake Champagne region of France.

Be it Cuvee, (the crème de la crème of all Champagne) Blanc de Noir, Blanc de Blanc or Rose, Champagne without a doubt, represents the very top echelons of style and taste, and for the selective few, it symbolizes a certain rite of passage and rise in society.

Today, drinking Champagne is like consuming other drinks. It’s mixed as cocktails and readily available at most places. How does one begin to purchase the right glasses for such an exquisite potion?

There are a few useful points to consider when purchasing Champagne/ sparkling wine glasses or stemware.

- Champagne is presented best in slim tulip-shaped stemware made of either glass or crystal. Avoid those in pewter or silver, unless you are throwing a Lord of the Rings themed dinner. One of the most enchanting experiences of drinking Champagne is the exhilarating sight of its colour and bubbles rising delicately to the top. europa2004.