LIFE STYLE
The Art of Champagne Sabering
with The St. Regis Astana
The Ritual.
The St. Regis Astana, a new gem in St. Regis Hotels & Re-
sorts collection, which opens in summer 2017, celebrates a
century-long legacy of refined luxury and meaningful rituals.
The Champagne Sabering ritual is one of the most noble
and elegant ceremonies to observe. As opposed to tradi-
tional uncorking, the art of sabrage has become a signature
ceremony in St. Regis Evening Rituals series.
Often performed by St. Regis butlers, the evening ritual
continues to bring guests together at sunset to celebrate
the victories of the day or to welcome new St. Regis ho-
tels to the portfolio. The ceremony touches all the senses
– sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Lights dim, candles
glow and music fills the evening. Guests are often treated
to an exceptional demonstration of skill, and the sparkling
wine is served in the most exclusive theatrical presentation.
The St. Regis Astana Saber.
One of the highlights of the performance is certainly the
saber. Following tradition, The St. Regis Astana features a
beautiful champagne saber with the hotel logo engraved by
the noble French producer Claude Dozorme (1902). While
not in use, the saber rests on the mahogany display stand.
The Legend.
It all dates back to the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte
and Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Madame Clic-
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world monitor
quot or Veuve Clicquot. The wealthy widow of an aristocrat
turned out to be a skilled winemaker, though it took a number
of years before she achieved true success.
Under her guidance, the company developed the process of
riddling, which is why the Veuve Clicquot champagne we drink
today is so crystal clear.
Her husband died in 1805, in the early years of the Napoleonic
Wars. When Napoléon’s soldiers came through Reims, in Cham-
pagne, they found a wealthy young widow who was running her
own Champagne business.
The story goes that she would entertain Napoléon’s officers in
her vineyard, handing out bottles of champagne to the men as
they mounted their horses and left for battle. The officers, hop-
ing to catch the eye of the wealthy young widow, unsheathed
their sabers, and while astride their horses lopped off the tops
of the bottles.
In the beginning of the XX century John Jacob Astor IV, the leg-
endary founder of St. Regis brand, performed the champagne
ritual for the first time in The St. Regis New York. Since then St.
Regis Hotels and resorts around the globe continue to serve
the vintage sparkling wine in this spectacular and exclusive
way.
The guests of The St. Regis Astana will soon also be privileged
to participate in this beautiful evening ritual every week after
the opening.