Muselet

Muselet is a wire cage that fits over the cork of a bottle of champagne, sparkling wine or beer to prevent the cork from emerging under the pressure of the carbonated contents. The muselet is invented by Adolphe Jacquesson in the mid-19th century. The term "muselet" is French and means "muzzle".

History

The muselet was invented by Adolphe Jacquesson in 1844. Jacquesson was a champagne producer who sought a more effective method than the then-used string to prevent the cork from shooting out of the bottle. The muselet proved to be a successful solution and is still in use today.

Design and Function

The muselet consists of a wire cap and a wire cage. The cap fits over the cork and is secured by the cage, which is twisted onto the neck of the bottle. The cage has six twists and a loop at the end, which is used to remove the muselet. The design of the muselet ensures that the cork remains in place, even under the high pressure of the carbonated contents of the bottle.

Variations

While the standard muselet has six twists, variations exist. Some muselets have four or five twists, and the design of the cap can vary. Some caps are plain, while others bear the logo or name of the producer. Collecting these caps has become a hobby for some, known as Placomusophilia.

Removal

To remove the muselet, the loop at the end of the cage is untwisted. This loosens the cage, allowing it to be removed along with the cap. The cork can then be safely removed.

See Also

• Champagne production
• Cork (material)
• Bottle cap