The shelf life of an unopened bottle is contingent on the way you store it as well as whether it’s a vintage or not vintage Champagne.
If you don’t keep your unopened bottle of bubbly correctly, it will quickly become lost in oxidation, lose its sparkle, and even become too sour.
This article will take a look at the reasons why Champagne goes badly, signs that your champagne has gone bad, and if drinking champagne that has been spoiled is secure, as well as the essential storage guidelines.
We’ll also discuss the differences between vintage Champagne and nonvintage champagne and also the most age-worthy Champagnes.
Why Does Champagne Go Bad? (Opened Bottle vs. Unopened Bottle)
Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced solely within Champagne. It is made exclusively in the Champagne area of France made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay as well as Pinot Meunier grapes.
It is a kind of wine that is sensitive to heat, air, light, and vibration like all wines, including white as well as red wine styles.
Let’s look at what is the cause of Champagne to go through a deterioration process:
An opened Champagne bottle can go bad due to oxidation. As oxygen interacts with Champagne, it breaks down the molecules and structure in the wine, creating a sour taste and unpleasant aromas.
To prevent oxidation To avoid oxidation, it is recommended to keep Champagne in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-5 days after the time of opening.
Two factors determine how long an unopened bottle of Champagne will last:
Vintage vs. Non-Vintage: Vintage Champagne generally has an average shelf life of 5 to 10 years, while nonvintage Champagne generally has a shorter shelf life of three to five years.
Storage conditions: Ideally, the best way to store your champagne is to keep the unopened Champagne bottle at a temperature of 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit 55degF to 50degF(10degC up to 13degC). In the event of exposure to excessive light or heat can cause it to spoil more quickly.
In particular, you should be careful not to place the bottle upright for long periods of duration. As time passes, the cork may become dry and shrinking, which can expose the wines to oxygen.
In addition, if Champagne gets exposed to heat, light, and vibration, it could be damaged and begin to begin to age prematurely.
4 Warning Signs That Your Champagne Has Gone Bad
Unfortunately, the best way to tell for sure if your Champagne has gone bad is to open the bottle. From there, look for these signs:
A darker shade: The color is often the first indication that your champagne has lost its sparkle. Fresh Champagne has a stunning light golden hue, whereas spoilt bubbly wine typically has a more dark yellow hue.
No Popping sound or fizz: The famous pop that occurs when you open a bottle of sparkling wine, which is followed by a soft hiss, is the most effective method to determine whether your bubbly bottle is still in good condition.
Dry or moldy Cork: Check the cork after you’ve opened the Champagne bottle. If it appears dry or swollen, it could trigger the creation of small clumps as well as cloudy sediment inside the bottle. This is a sign that the Champagne is spoiled.
Sour Smell and Taste: A Bottle of champagne emits vibrant, fruity aromas that are accompanied by floral scents. If you’re Champagne is bad tasting or smells, It’s probably damaged.
Can You Get Sick From Drinking Old Champagne?
However, it would be best if you didn’t consume champagne that has been spoiled. Champagne since it can trigger unease in your stomach.
If you have a few bottles of champagne left and you’re not sure how to use them, we’ve got intriguing ideas for you to consider:
Pour it into the pan to remove the glaze after you’ve cooked something with it, such as seared steak or sauteed vegetables.
You can freeze your chilled Champagne inside an ice tray and then add it to your drinks.
Create Champagne vinegar by leaving the remainder of the Champagne to ferment for a couple of weeks.
Tips For Storing Champagne: Opened Bottle
Once you’ve popped open a bottle of Champagne, you have a maximum of 3 to 5 days before it goes bad.
Here’s how you can keep your newly open champagne bottle Champagne in a proper manner and keep its bubbly intact:
Reseal it immediately: Make sure to seal the bottle using a cork that can be reused, champagne stopper plastic wrap, or Champagne sealer when you’re finished serving.
Keep it chilled and upright: Always store your open Champagne bottle uprightly in an ice bucket or in a refrigerator to prevent spills and ensure the preservation of the bubbly.
Tips For Storing Champagne: Unopened Bottle
Here are some useful tips for preserving your unopened bottle of Champagne:
Temperature: Keep your champagne bottle in a wine cellar or wine refrigerator at a steady temperature of between 40 and 60 degrees (4.4degC-15.5degC).
Light: Make sure to keep your bottle clear of bright sunlight and artificial light to prevent oxidation or change of color.
Location: Store Champagne horizontally on a cork rack or wine shelf in order to keep the cork moist.
Vibration: Place your wine in a non-vibration area (away from refrigerators, kitchen appliances, as well as stereo equipment) to keep the wine from premature aging.
Why Do Vintage Champagnes Last Longer Than Non Vintage Champagnes?
Wine: The Vintage Champagnes are made from top-quality grapes from one year’s harvest.
Nonvintage Champagne can be described as a mix of base wines that date back years.
Aging Time: Vintage Champagnes must be maturing for a minimum of three years prior to being released to the market for sale.
A nonvintage Champagne bottle is matured over 15-18 months.
The longer maturation time lets the wine acquire a deeper and more distinct flavor as it ages, which makes it more suitable for aging.
To determine if you own a vintage or nonvintage bottle of Champagne, look at the label and decide whether or not it’s labeled the NV (for nonvintage) or the year of harvest on it (vintage).
Interesting Facts: Vintage champagne is typically produced just 3 or 4 times per decade.
What Are the Best Age-Worthy Champagnes?
Certain luxury Champagnes have a shelf life of 20 years or more. These prestige Cuvees are aged longer before release and develop a more complex flavor and aroma.
In addition, larger wine bottle sizes are longer-lasting and are, therefore, more cost-effective.
If you’re looking to invest in a champagne that is age-worthy, check out the Vinovest website.
Vinovest’s advanced AI-powered platform allows you to purchase, store, and sell Champagnes as well as other investment wines all over the world.
Preserve Your Champagne’s Flavor And Bubbles
A glass of Champagne with lively bubbles and fresh fruit flavors is a great treat for any special occasion.
To ensure that your champagne is stored properly until the time to party, adhere to the suggestions we’ve given you.
If you’re in the market for a more affordable Champagne bottle, take a look at Vinovest. Vinovest platform for investing in wine and begin creating your wine portfolio.