The History of the Champagne Coupe

Firstly, let us tackle the pronunciation of the word coupe as there are quite a few ways it gets announced and only one way can be the correct way!

Coupe:  Coop

Now we must not mix the word coupe with coupé which is a sporty car model (most coupé cars have two doors and four seats). There is no accent on the word we are looking at in coupe so no need to enhance the é on the end, ie coupee.

With the french laying claim to the word coupe and also the word coupé, they will of course confuse us more with coupe in the verb to cut, such as I cut (I am cutting) which is je coupe! Coupe as the verb being pronounced the same way as our coupe in glass format.

So, it is coop for our coupe, but where did the word originate from and why?

The famous and romantic story tells us that Marie Antoinette commissioned the design of a new glass in order to toast her with that was molded after her left breast and this is what gave us the coupe. This famous tale remains just that unfortunately as the timelines do not aline in that the coupe glass was first founded in 1663 whereas Marie Antoinette lived between 1755 – 1793. Of course, Marie Antoinette may very well have had a special coupe shaped to her breast, though she did in fact invent a whole different glass which was for milk called a jattes teton.

1663 is the date stamped on the birth of the coupe glass which is said to have been during the time of the accidental discovery of Champagne and the need for ways in which to drink it. Many designs originated (maker: George Ravenscroft) during this period including the coupe which soon become highly popular until the 1920’s when it was challenged by new and fresh designs such as the flute. Today the coupe is still used and favoured by many though wine professionals would lean towards tulip and white wine designs of glass in order to experience the qualities of Champagne aromas and flavours.

The coupe glass is regularly seen in fine wine and cocktails bars and most will come out for varied Champagne cocktails. It remains a classic and elegant way in which to drink Champagne and there are countless designs and manufacturers to choose from. It remains very tied to Champagne though other sparkling wines, lesser so Prosecco, will be served with the coupe.

One of the best ways to experience Champagne at a party is via a stack or tower where carefully the glasses are built with layers so that when the bubbles are poured at the top the wine flows down and fills the glasses below.