Visualization of Mixing Flow Phenomena in Champagne Glasses under Various Glass-Shape and Engravement Conditions

For the very first time, a classical flow visualization technique was used to capture the fluid motion in traditional flutes and coupes poured with champagne. It was found that glasses engraved around their axis of symmetry produce a rising gas column along the vertical glass axis that induces, in turn, steady state recirculating flow regions. In the case of the classical engraved champagne flute, the whole domain of the liquid phase is homogeneously mixed, whereas in the case of the engraved champagne coupe, the recirculating flow region does not occupy the whole volume in the glass. In the engraved coupe, a dead-zone of very low motion was identified, which inhibits the formation of the collar at the glass edge. Our results finally strongly suggest that the glass-shape and engravement conditions should likely have a strong impact on champagne tasting by modifying the kinetics of release of carbon dioxide molecules and aromatic volatile organic compounds from the liquid medium.

Keywords: Champagne; sparkling wines; carbonated beverages; effervescence; bubble nucleation; engravement; laser impact; mixing flow phenomena; convection; flavor release; champagne tasting