Other than for show…what are the reasons behind this practice?
Sometimes sabering older bottles is the best way to go. Corks usually either come out very easily or they crumble. Sabering would avoid the latter scenario.
But, in general it is for “show” in that it’s fun, festive and people who haven’t seen it before get a kick out of it. Most women seem to really enjoy watching a bottle being sabered. And it’s not a bad thing when you have a line of attractive women standing behind you wanting you to teach them how to saber a bottle. The Hillbilly has graduated many students from his Saber School, including Mrs Wheels and the Wheelettes just a few days ago.
Never really thought about it for older bottles (havent had that much (really) old champers). No doubt it draws a crowd and leaves a mark on the night/bottle…and if the ladies like it…the ladies get it.
Personally I say it’s 100% for show and a complete waste of Champagne.
Not much juice is wasted, in my minimal experience.
That said, I personally would never sabre an expensive bottle.
Joe,
Do you open a lot of 50+ year old champagne? If so, how do you handle the issue of the cork when it disintegrates into pieces into the bottle?
Additionally, unless the champagne is both young and not properly chilled, ZERO champagne is lost.
Listen to Ray on this. The reason to do this are:
- Old bottles - this is the best way to remove the cork
- Ladies Love Cool Juice - LL Cool J
- It is fun
With young wine, you can lose some juice due to the pressure in the bottle, but when done right, it is minimal.
I had never sabered until last year when at a gathering for Trevor S. birthday I was handed a 1973 Dom P. Enotech (sp?) and told “it’s time you learn.” Hmm, can you say I was really really nervous to do this on that expensive of a bottle for my first. I said a quick prayer, and with some instructions from Trevor and Sam, and with the rest looking on to see if I’d screw it up, I did it perfectly. I was so relieved!
And virtually nothing was wasted, and shouldn’t be if you do it right.
Nope. Mostly 25 year old bottles.
Well that’s your problem, quit killing the babies (joking!)