What is Placomusophilia?

Are you a placomusophile? Are you always tempted to keep hold of the plaque de muselet when you pop open a bottle of bubbly? Are you confused yet?

For those not in the know then let me explain what these words and terms mean and it is quite an exciting and hotly followed subject in the world of wine:

• Placomusophilia: The art of collecting Champagne (and/or sparkling wine) capsules
• Placomusophile: A person who collects Champagne (and/or sparkling wine) capsules
• Plaque de Muselet: The French translation for the cap on top of a cork held in place by a wire cage
• Muselet: The whole wire cage that fits over the cork of a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine to prevent the cork from emerging under the pressure of the carbonated contents source Glass of Bubbly

For nearly all sparkling wines the contents of the bottle are held in place by the cork and the muselet. As you unravel the foil from the top of the bottle you will pull down the small loop of twisted wire usually requiring 5.5 twists in order to give freedom to pop that cork. Now at the top of the bottle and held in place by the muselet in the metal cap which can be a place silver / gold / black colour or one containing the logo of the winery or some other charming artwork.

Most people will associate Champagne with the placomusphilia though there are collectors of other sparkling wine countries / regions from Prosecco to Canadian bubbly. Usually the French and the Champagne region will have the widest range of artwork with many taking care to delight collectors with their caps.