Nothing is more exquisite than a glass of perfectly chilled champagne, whether you’re toasting a special event or enjoying the taste. One question, though, is frequently posed by people: How long does champagne last?
How Long Does Champagne Last?
Champagne may survive a very long period if it is preserved properly. The shelf life will change depending on the type of champagne, though. Champagne comes in two primary varieties: vintage and non-vintage. The grapes used in the winemaking process determine whether a bottle is vintage or non-vintage.
While non-vintage champagne is produced using a blend of grapes harvested in different years, vintage champagne is created from grapes collected within one year. Sparkling wine is another name for a non-vintage champagne.
To determine what kind of champagne you have, look at the label. The shelf life of vintage bubbly is typically greater than that of its non-vintage champagne and will last between three and five years at room temperature; it can last up to ten years when stored properly.
If the bottle is sealed tightly and kept in the refrigerator after being opened, the bubbles will last for four to six days. After that, the champagne will turn flat and become unappealing to drink any longer than this.
How to store unopened champagne
To increase the shelf life of your unopened champagne, it’s crucial to store it properly. Your sparkling wine bottle is a living thing that can degrade if left in unfavorable settings for an extended period. Here are our top five suggestions for keeping unopened champagne safe:
Store the bottle sideways
Keeping the cork moist is an efficient approach to guarantee that the bottle seals firmly. Champagne corks, like those in most wines, will dry up if the bottle is left upright for an extended period. Yes, you might save some room by storing your champagne in this manner, but it’s ideal for maintaining the bottle horizontal if it is kept in storage for a long time.
Avoid places with light.
Ever ponder why champagne bottles are frequently of a dark hue? Because champagne is light-sensitive, this is the case. A location without windows is preferable, or use heavy curtains to keep the sun out. Alternately, put a heavy item of clothing over the bottle. Champagne can age faster and lose flavor if it is exposed to light.
Pick an area without smells.
Champagne can gradually absorb the smells of its surroundings, changing its flavor and taste. For example, the pantry might not be the best place to store your bubbly because it can absorb flavors from other foods and spices. Don’t forget to keep the bottle tightly closed as well. It will keep the odors at bay while preserving the champagne’s original essence.
Watch the temperature
Champagne should be kept between 46° F and 54° F, but 50° F is the optimal temperature for long-term storage. The cellar is ideal for keeping your champagne because it is naturally chilly and dark.
Tips to tell if champagne has gone bad
Color change
The hue of good champagne will be light gold or pale yellow. So it’s probably past due if yours has gone a deep shade of yellow, gold, or brown.
Strange smell
Opening the champagne can often be the only surefire to determine if it is still good. Pour a small amount into a glass, place the rim under your nose, and take a few breaths. It is safe to consume if it smells like champagne.
Knowing what champagne smells like in advance will help you determine when to throw away the bottle. Although the aroma can differ from brand to brand, good champagne will probably smell like freshly made bread with a faint trace of damp limestone.
No popping sound
The distinctive “pop” of champagne is well known. You’ll hear a faint hiss when you pop the cork on a bottle of champagne that still has its charm. Your bottle of bubbly has gone bad if there are no pops or bubbles.
It’s flat
Try tasting if you can’t determine it by sniffing. For example, it no longer qualifies as champagne if it is flavorless and flat. Thus, there is no reason to consume it.
Moldy cork
Mold can grow on champagne, producing hazy sediments at the bottom of the bottle. Although uncommon, this can indicate that the product has been ruined. In addition, a soiled cork or food scraps that make their way inside the bottle could introduce mold. When the bottle is presented with food at the dinner table, ensure the cap is kept dry and clean.
Serving temperature of champagne
Champagne marked with a year on the label is considered vintage. Therefore, serving these matured champagnes at a slightly warmer temperature is best. The tastes will flourish if vintage champagne is served between 54 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 14 degrees Celsius).
The ideal serving temperature for sparkling wines and non-vintage champagnes is 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Does champagne get better with age?
With age, vintage champagne can get better. Non-vintage bottles are generally believed not to do so, while some people think they can. Because winemakers can develop a crop of grapes in a year with quality aging, vintages typically age better than those from multi-year harvests.
Conclusion
If champagne is stored for too long, it may go rotten. However, whether the bottle is vintage or not will affect how long it takes for this to occur; older bottles endure longer. Both varieties should be kept in a cool environment away from direct sunlight to increase their shelf life.
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