Muselet

The wire basket (Muselet, Agraffe)

Originally, the champagne bottles were plugged with wooden wedges, wrapped in a cloth soaked in oil and additionally sealed with a little wax. This
However, the sealing process could not withstand the high pressure of around six bar for long. The
The closure quickly became leaky and the Champagne spoilt. Some time later, cork stoppers became the norm, but these also had to be secured with hemp ropes. The safety and strength of this method still left a lot to be desired. Eventually, some traders came up with the idea of using wire mesh instead of hemp mesh. The braided iron wire was attached with pliers and wired. The disadvantage was that the champagne bottle could only be opened with special pliers, which were then used to cut the wire.

Old wire cutters (around 1900) with brush to elegantly remove any impurities on the bottle caused by transport or storage.

To enable the champagne bottle to be opened without pliers, a small, handy 'ring' was later screwed into the wire.
Attaching the wire used to be tedious and laborious work for the manufacturer. Today, machine-moulded wire makes it easier to attach this necessary additional securing of the cork.

The muselet: a key ingredient in the enjoyment of champagne

Champagne, the noblest of all sparkling wines, is known for its luxurious bubbles and fine perlage. But behind the sparkling pleasure lies an important technical component that is often overlooked: the muselet. This small wire basket is crucial to the quality and safety of champagne and contributes to the traditional elegance of the drink.

What is a muselet?

The muselet is a wire basket that is wrapped around the cork of a champagne bottle. It consists of a thin wire, usually made of steel, and is used to hold the cork securely on the bottle. The word "muselet" comes from the French and means "little mouse", alluding to the original shape of the wire basket.

The function of the Muselet

Champagne is produced by a second fermentation in the bottle, which creates the characteristic bubbles. During this second fermentation, pressure is created in the bottle, which puts the corks to the test. Without a muselet, it would be difficult to keep the cork securely in place and control the high pressure in the bottle.

The wire basket holds the cork in place by wrapping around the neck of the bottle and securing it with a small loop. This prevents the cork from being thrown out by the pressure, which is particularly important as the pressure in a champagne bottle can be up to 6 bar - that's about two and a half times the pressure in a car tyre.

Historical development

The history of the musellelet dates back to the 19th century. As champagne became increasingly popular and its production was perfected, the need arose to develop a reliable closure for the bottle. Before the invention of the muselet, various methods were used to secure the cork, including the use of wooden corks or simple strings. The modern muselet, as we know it today, was first patented in the 1840s and has since established itself as an indispensable element.

Production and design

Making a musellet is a precise and meticulous process. First, the wire is cut to the correct length and then moulded into a special shape to hold the cork securely. The wire is then wrapped around the cork and placed in a position where it is secure but can still be easily released when the bottle is opened.

Many muselets also bear the emblem of the champagne house or a decorative design that contributes to the brand identity. These designs are often ornate and contribute to the aesthetics of the bottle.

The opening process

When opening a champagne bottle, the wire basket is first loosened. This is done by removing the wire, which is usually attached to the bottom of the bottle with a small loop. It is important to do this carefully, as the pressure inside the bottle can cause the cork to shoot out with great force. To prevent this, you should hold the bottle at an angle while opening it and slowly unscrew the cork.

Symbolism and meaning

The Muselet also has a symbolic meaning. It is a sign of the tradition and craftsmanship associated with the production of champagne. Many champagne lovers value the Muselet as part of the experience of opening a bottle of champagne, as it is a reminder of the drink's long history and high quality.

In the world of champagne, there are also collectors who regard muselets as interesting artefacts. The various designs and emblems on the muselets can provide valuable historical insights into the development and identity of the champagne houses.

Conclusion

The muselet may seem like a small detail, but its importance in the context of champagne is considerable. It ensures safety and quality and is also a fine example of the craftsmanship that goes into making champagne. The next time we savour a fine drop, we should not forget that behind every bubble and sparkle there is a well thought-out and traditional detail such as the muselet, which contributes significantly to the enjoyment.

 

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