Dramatically popping a Champagne cork is both wasteful - and potentially dangerous. A slow release of pressure (known as the lover's sigh) prevents wine from gushing out or the cork from popping off in all directions. Here are tips for an elegant pour.

1. Chill your Champagne or sparkling wine
Serve Champagne and sparkling wine chilled (about 7 C). To chill wine quickly, place in a bucket with equal parts ice and cold water.