Manche

French · cork body

The manche is the body of a Champagne cork, made of agglomerated cork granules.1

At its base are the natural cork discs that touch the wine, the miroir.1 The whole bouchon is 31 mm in diameter and at most 48 mm long, compressed to about 17 mm in the neck.1

The Champagne specification requires the cork to bear the appellation name.2 The muselet holds it against the pressure.1 When inserted, the cork is compressed to about half its diameter.1 See corking.

See also

BouchonGlossaryMiroirGlossaryCork and wire cageMethodsThe flight of the corkScience

Sources

  1. Union des Maisons de Champagne. Corking and muselage
  2. Cahier des charges de l'AOP « Champagne » - modifications approved by the INAO national committee on 11 September 2024 (national opposition procedure text) (2024-09-11)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19