cordon

French · line

A cordon is a line of bubbles; the Union des Maisons de Champagne advises pouring directly above the glass so that a cordon of bubbles forms and foaming is limited.1

Context

Pouring technique matters most with fast-filling glasses: UMC notes that a flute can overflow if poured fast.2 For large bottles UMC advises pouring a magnum with the thumb in the punt.1

Bubbles themselves form at nucleation sites and collect as mousse at the surface.3 See pouring and the science of pouring.

The glass matters too: UMC regards the tulip glass, an egg-shaped bowl narrowing at the top, as today's standard, and the coupe as poor because the bouquet escapes and the mousse does not develop.2

See also

How to pourServingPouring and CO2 lossScienceflûteGlossarypuntGlossarymousseGlossary

Sources

  1. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). Serving Champagne
  2. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). Choosing the right wine glass
  3. Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC). The language of the senses

Facts checked on 2026-10-19