It's All In The Detail

Today's image is of the metal cap atop the wire cage on top of the bottle of Cava that helped to contribute towards yesterday's hangover. This is no reflection whatsoever on the the sparkling wine itself - a Cava Finca Miguel from Catalonia, which is refreshingly dry with lovely bubbles and notes of fresh apple and citrus with toasty aromas (and an absolute bargain from M&S at under £8 a bottle) but was purely caused by my own over indulgence.
The wire cage that fits over the cork of a bottle of champagne, sparkling wine or beer to prevent the cork from emerging under the pressure of the carbonated contents is called a muselet. It derives its name from the French, museler, meaning to muzzle. The muselet often has a metal cap incorporated into the design which may show the drink maker's emblem.
I was just about to throw this particular one away when I could see a design on the metal cap and on closer inspection through our tartan rimmed magnifying glass (quite a niche household item I would suggest) I could see a depiction of a female chariot rider being pulled by lions. Apparently it portrays the Ancient Greek goddess Cybele. I'm glad I looked closer as it really is all in the detail. It's not everyday that a hangover leads you to learn a new word and in the direction of an Ancient Greek goddess at the same time :-)