Sparkle for longer

M&S is to launch new Champagne flutes that are designed to make the fizz in a glass of bubbly last longer, while being more affordable than other similar designs.

This is done with the aid of six laser-etched dots in the bottom of the flute, which act as points on which bubbles can form and rise up ensuring a constant stream of bubbles, even from bottles that may have been kept overnight under a pressurised stopper.

The technology is not at all new, having famously been started by a beer company scratching marks into the bottom of their glassware with screwdrivers, but at £15 for a set of four it is the first time such glasses have been available at anything less than around £40 apiece.

Pam McDermott, of M&S, said: “The stay-sparkling flutes help to give that satisfying fizz even when a bottle has been open a little while or kept in a fridge with a pressurised stopper.”

Elsewhere, another piece of stemware retailing at £20 claims to make any ordinary glass of wine taste infinitely better.

The Sensis Plus glass from Bavarian company Eisch Glaskultur is said to “make wine taste softened and enhance its flavour as if it has been aerated.”

However, owner Eberhard Eisch has refused to reveal how the glass works, saying it is “a company secret”.

Rupert Millar, 09.05.2011