Does anyone know the reason for the shape of the champagne bottle; I think it has something to do with the pressure but I have been told by various people that it's for ease of serving (not too sure about that one myself)
the champagne bottle will be designed so that the sediment that forms during fermentation can be easily removed by the disgorgement process (basically they freeze the neck of the bottle) and suck it out. Stick "How is Champagne Made?" into Ask Jeeves for more info.
Thanks rja211077 ... I feel a bit a wally as I didn't think of searching on how the champagne itself was made ... just the bottles; much appreciated as I can now impress my French partner's family (as spookily enough, they didn't know!)