The words "sabler" or "sabrer" are almost homonyms because of their very similar pronunciations. Often confused, the expressions "sabrer the champagne" and "sabler the champagne" however have very different meanings and it is better not to confuse them.
What does it mean to sabRer champagne ?
The origin of the expression
During the Napoleonic wars, the French soldiers celebrated their victory by slashing the champagne. Huge balls were held to celebrate the triumph and return of the soldiers.
Non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Imperial Guard had a lighter sword called in French "sabre briquet". This short-bladed sword owes its name to the curved shape of its guard which recalled the tinder lighters of that time.
They used this sword to blow the cork from the champagne bottle and let the wine splash. The art of sabrage always added a spectacular touch to the celebrations.
What it means today
Still, champagne is slashed (in French sabrer) to celebrate an event. It is not uncommon to see a bottle slashed at a birthday or wedding…
Its technique requires some knowledge and precautions to achieve it. The first is to act only outdoors. The second is never to target anyone.
- Start by locating the line produced along the bottle during its design and place it upwards.
- Then, carefully remove the iron cage that protects the cap.
- Once removed, tilt your bottle to about 45 degrees.
- Use the back of a dagger or a knife to rub – without forcing – the bottle line.
- Hit the bottleneck sharply and quickly. You may have to repeat this step until the neck gives way and is thrown with the cork.
Sabrage is a delicate art that requires a little practice. Once mastered, you can replace the knife with a teaspoon or the stem of a wine glass.
Non-exhaustive list of precautions : not to be made by a child, do not target a person or an animal, do not aim at a building.
Know more about slashing champagne
To be carried out according to the rules of the art, you must slash the champagne with the back of the saber. Although almost forgotten today, an obvious reason exists as to why the cutting edge must be in your direction. Indeed, Napoleonic soldiers were not going to risk damaging the edge of their lighter saber. So they naturally used his backhand !
What does it mean to sand (sabLer in French) champagne ? ?
The origin of the expression
This expression has its origin not from wine, but foundry. In the Age of Enlightenment, "sandblasting" was used to make coins and medals.
The smelter quickly sank the still molten metal into a mold containing sand. From this foundry method,, it was customary to say that a person was "sanding" (sablait in french) his glass to say that he was emptying it with a one go. Today, we talk more willingly about "drinking down in one" !
Spread the word, the champagne of yesteryear did not have the current quality. To make it less acidic and more sparkling, consumers used ingenuity. He blew into the still empty glass to cover it with mist. So, he could sprinkle the sides of the glass with sugar before pouring champagne. In contact with sugar, the champagne released all its foam. You had to swallow it quickly before it overflowed and to enjoy its bubbles.
What it means today
The phrase "sabler the champagne" is still in use, although it is outdated. It no longer has a direct relationship with the foundry or the sugar on the glasses, but rather means tasting champagne on a festive occasion…
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