Beret Champagne Stopper

The Beret Champagne Stopper from Esplanda is a reusable closure for opened bottles of Champagne and other sparkling wine, such as Cava, Prosecco, Crémant and traditional-method sparkling wines. Sparkling bottles are shaped differently from still-wine bottles. They have a thick glass lip, or collar, and a wide mouth made to hold a wired cork under pressure. A standard wine cork or screw-style stopper won't sit properly on that finish. Stoppers in this category usually grip the underside of the lip with a clamp or hinged arms and press a seal into the neck, so the bottle can stay closed without the original cork. The stopper's job is to slow the loss of carbonation. A bottle of sparkling wine holds roughly five to six atmospheres of pressure when sealed, and once opened the dissolved carbon dioxide starts to escape. A clamp-style stopper can keep a good share of the fizz for a day or two, though it won't restore bubbles that have already gone. For best results, put the stopper on right after pouring, return the bottle to the fridge, and keep it upright. Use it again within about 24 to 48 hours. Past that point the mousse softens noticeably even with a tight seal. To fit it, wipe any moisture or sugary residue from the bottle lip first, since a wet or sticky rim can stop the grip from seating evenly. Line the stopper up with the neck, press down until the seal sits flush, then close the clamp or lever as the design requires. If you feel strong resistance, take the stopper off and reseat it rather than forcing it. After use, rinse it in lukewarm water and let it dry fully before storing, so no sugar or yeast residue builds up on the seal. The stopper also helps with serving. A bottle held at fridge temperature, around 6 to 8°C for most Champagne and Cava, keeps its bubbles better than one left on the counter, because colder liquid holds dissolved gas longer. Pour into a tulip glass or flute, and use the stopper between rounds rather than leaving the bottle open. It fits a single bottle in a gift set, a bar cart or a home fridge. It is a practical add-on for anyone who opens a bottle but doesn't finish it in one sitting.