Why do champagne have wire cages on them while other wine bottles not?

You're right! Champagne bottles do have wire cages, known as muselets, while most other wine bottles don't. Here's why:

* Pressure: Champagne is a sparkling wine, meaning it's produced with high pressure inside the bottle (typically around 90 psi). This pressure is necessary to keep the carbon dioxide dissolved in the wine, which creates the bubbles. Without the cage, the pressure could easily cause the bottle to explode, especially when being opened.

* Safety: The muselet acts as a safety measure. It keeps the cork in place and prevents it from flying out during opening, potentially causing injury. The wire cage also helps to control the pressure release when the cork is popped, making it a more controlled and less violent experience.

* Tradition: The muselet has been used for centuries, dating back to the 17th century. It became a symbol of the champagne industry and is now an iconic part of the champagne experience.

Why other wines don't need a muselet:

* Lower pressure: Most still wines have much lower pressure inside the bottle, so there's no risk of the bottle exploding.

* No need for a controlled release: As there's no carbonation, there's no need to control the release of pressure when opening the bottle.

In short, the muselet is a vital safety feature for champagne bottles due to the high pressure inside. While it's not necessary for other wines, it remains an iconic part of the champagne experience and a reminder of the unique production process of this sparkling wine.