The first time champagne burst forth from a bottle on a podium was at the 24-hour Le Mans in 1967

Many a time we are called on to celebrate: births, marriages, exams… but there are not enough such occasions in a single lifetime for all of us to master the art of celebrating with champagne. Let us look therefore to Formula 1™ racing drivers for inspiration , who have uncorked more bottles than the average man. So take hold of the official G.H.MUMM jeroboam, a prestigious bottle whose three-litre contents will enable you both to spray your neighbours and quench your thirst. The first time champagne burst forth from a bottle on a podium was at the end of the 24-hour Le Mans in 1967 – the result of a champagne that was too warm, and shaken too vigorously by the victor that day. In your case, leave nothing to chance and scrupulously follow the following instructions: hold the bottle at arm’s length, brandish it triumphantly above your head and shake it like a lunatic. Quickly release the cork wire and cork to let the champagne burst majestically forth. Bear in mind that this is no time for small-mindedness. Liberally spray all those around you and allow yourself to be sprayed in return – good champagne will not leave a stain. Once the geyser has dried up, hold your jeroboam aloft, call the group to order and either make a speech or merely offer a few choice words. Like the drivers who sometimes knock their bottles together, a glass is superfluous at such moments of communion and you can toast with the bottle itself. A champagne celebration is in fact one of the few occasions on which it is not forbidden to drink from the bottle. In moderation of course….

By Gino Delmas