A Tradition from Napoleon’s Cavalry
The history of sabering goes back to the late 18th century and the French Revolutionary Wars. After battles and victories, Napoleon’s cavalry soldiers – the legendary hussars – celebrated by drinking champagne. Often, this took place while still on horseback, and handling both a saber and a bottle of champagne at the same time required a certain finesse.
Legend has it that soldiers needed to open the bottles quickly without dismounting, so they struck off the tops with their sabers. Other stories suggest that it was simply a stylish way to impress the company at celebrations. Regardless of its exact origins, sabering became part of champagne culture and has since been a symbol of triumph and festivity.
Napoleon himself is said to have praised the drink with the words:
"Champagne! In victory, you deserve it; in defeat, you need it."
How Does Sabering Work?
The technique involves running a saber or knife along the seam of the bottle and striking the point where the neck meets the cork. With the right amount of force and angle, the glass breaks cleanly, and the upper part of the neck, along with the cork, flies off.
What prevents the bottle from shattering completely is the high internal pressure of the champagne – around 6 bar, equivalent to the pressure in a car tire. When the neck breaks, the cork and glass fragment are propelled away, leaving an open bottle ready to be served.
This tradition has endured for centuries and is often performed at weddings, New Year’s Eve parties, and other grand occasions where champagne is at the heart of the celebration.
A Spectacular Way to Open Champagne
Sabering is more than just a way to open a bottle – it’s a piece of wine history, a ceremony that enhances the festivity, and a tribute to the elegance that champagne represents. Today, it is used worldwide by sommeliers, wine enthusiasts, and connoisseurs who wish to honor the tradition.
Although it may look simple, sabering requires both precision and experience. But one thing is certain – it remains one of the most impressive ways to open a bottle of champagne. 🥂
