THE OBJECT
LA CLAYE - FRANCE 1938
-
CLAYE
FRANCE
claye: [klei] n. manual object invented in the early 20th century to open bottles of champagne and other sparkling drinks (prosecco, cider, crémant, cava, clairette, trentodoc, etc.) by lever effect. First occurrence in 1938.
This long gone object resurrected in 2024 under the LACLAYE ® brand as new models: LA CLASSIQUE 1938, LA CLASSY and LA CARD. The claye was completely redesigned so as to reinvent the opening of the most famous festive drink in the world. Its disconcerting efficiency brings the opening of a bottle of champagne closer to the classic way of opening wine bottles. Placed on the table, label facing guests, allowing the mastery of the perfect serve of champagne: holding the cork with the thumb to secure the opening and preserve all the organoleptic qualities of the wine. Above all, the claye truly spotlights this fleeting moment historically known as "the erotic sigh of champagne": the absolute apotheosis of the perfect opening, delicately releasing the air under the cork. It is such an exquisite pleasure to see and hear this murmur of satisfaction from the wine, so happy to escape from a bottle in which it sometimes remained locked up for so long. A moment of grace now elevated and shared thanks to the claye, no longer hidden in the hand grabbing the cork.
If preserving the fundamentals of the perfect serve with elegance is in the DNA of the claye, sommeliers of star-rated restaurants also emphasize its undeniable hygienic benefit as it eliminates any contact between the hand and the bottleneck.
The claye is also ideal for “à la volée” disgorging with its distinctive “POP” skillfully executed by champagne professionals.
Finally, the claye facilitates and enhances the opening of magnums and other large bottles, which are more difficult to hold in the hand.