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Agraffe

Term for the small wire netting (filling clip, wire basket, shipping clip, French muselet) with which the cork of sparkling wines such as champagne or sparkling wine is wrapped and fixed to the neck of the bottle. This is to prevent the cork from being catapulted out of the bottle neck by the relatively high excess carbonic acid pressure in the bottle. A metal capsule (helmet, plaque) lying at the head of the natural cork prevents the wire mesh from cutting into it (such a capsule is not necessary with plastic corks). The agraffes are applied by machine in combination with the corking of the bottle. Collecting these coveted objects is called placomusophilia. In the case of sparkling wine, however, agraffes are not permitted under wine law so that it can be distinguished externally and not confused with a quality sparkling wine. Bottle nets have a different purpose; see in this regard under Alambrado (Spanish for wire net). See also MAESTRO (special closure for sparkling wine bottles), closures and wine enjoyment.

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Roman Horvath MW

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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)

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