How Long Does Champagne Last?

In general, champagne is prized for its distinctive taste and smell and for the sparkling bubbles that make it so delightful to drink. But how long does champagne last? Keep reading to learn the answer to this question and more about this beloved beverage.

Definition of Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine. It is made in the Champagne region of northeast France, according to the traditional method. This method uses a second fermentation process to produce bubbles. Champagne is typically fermented in a bottle, then stored upright for up to three years before it is released to the public.

How Long Does Champagne Last?

When opened, champagne should be consumed within one to two days, though not all types will last that long. Non-vintage champagnes, such as Prosecco, are designed to be consumed quickly and should be aged for a maximum of a day. On the other hand, more expensive vintage champagnes can typically last up to a week when properly stored.

If your champagne has been left in the refrigerator for longer than a week, it is best to discard it. This is because the bubbles in the champagne may have dissipated mainly due to oxidation, making it taste flat and dull.

How to Store Champagne

The best way to store champagne is in a cool, dark place like a cellar or cupboard. Champagne can also be stored in the refrigerator; however, it may lose its effervescence and flavor over time. If stored in the fridge, champagne should be consumed within one to two days of opening.

To extend the shelf life of champagne even further, consider buying Champagne stoppers. These devices are designed to seal champagne bottles securely to prevent oxidation and keep the bubbles in the champagne.

How to Tell When Champagne Has Gone Bad

If you need clarification on whether the champagne you've been storing is still drinkable, there are a few signs you can look for. One way to tell that the champagne has gone wrong is by looking at the color. Champagne should be a light, golden color; if it has darkened or taken on an amber hue, that's a sign that the wine has oxidized and should be discarded.

Moreover, if the champagne smells off or the taste is acidic or vinegary, it is likely past its prime and should not be consumed. Additionally, if the champagne has lost its bubbles, that is another telltale sign that it has gone wrong and should be discarded.

Can You Freeze Champagne?

No, champagne should not be frozen. Freezing will cause the bottle to shatter; champagne must be stored in an excellent location for maximal shelf life. Moreover, the freezing process will cause the champagne to lose flavor and effervescence.

How to Re-Cork a Champagne Bottle

Champagne bottles should be re-corked immediately after pouring to avoid oxidation. The best way to re-cork a champagne bottle is to use a champagne stopper. Champagne stoppers are designed to seal champagne bottles securely, which keeps the bubbles in and the oxygen out.

If you don't have a champagne stopper, you can use a corkscrew to re-cork the bottle. Make sure to press the cork firmly so it is correctly secured in the neck of the bottle. Additionally, consider wrapping the neck of the champagne bottle with unprinted paper before screwing on the re-corked top and storing the bottle in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

In conclusion, champagne should be consumed within one to two days of opening. If you need to store champagne, it should be in a cool, dark place. Moreover, you can extend the shelf life of champagne by using champagne stoppers. Additionally, discarding champagne that has gone bad is essential, as this is an unsafe product. And finally, freezing champagne is not advised as this may cause the bottle to shatter and the champagne to lose its flavor and effervescence.