Storing Champagne: Tips and Advice for the Perfect Serve

How to properly store champagne?

Storing champagne is a true art that requires careful attention and precise know-how . Whether you have a rare vintage or a special cuvée, knowing the right conservation methods is essential to maintaining its delicate aromas , freshness and lively bubbles. It is not only about storing champagne, but also about creating the ideal environment for each bottle to reveal its full potential when tasting.

Understanding the Basics of Champagne Storage

The ideal temperature to store your champagne

Temperature is an important element in the conservation of champagne. To preserve the aromas and freshness of your champagne, it is essential to store it at a specific temperature. The ideal temperature is between 8 and 12°C , with a preference for a stable temperature of 10 to 12°C for long-term aging.

Avoiding extreme temperatures is vital; temperatures that are too high can cause the champagne to oxidise prematurely , while temperatures that are too low, although rare, can also affect the quality of the wine in the long term.

The importance of darkness in conservation

Darkness plays a significant role in the preservation of champagne.

Light, especially UV rays , can alter the aromas and color of wine. It is therefore recommended to store champagne bottles in a dark room or protect them with anti-UV film, particularly for clear glass bottles such as Ruinart Blanc de Blancs or Roederer Champagne Cristal cuvée.

Bottle position: upright or lying down?

The position of the bottle is also important for the conservation of champagne.

It is advisable to store the bottles lying down so that the cork remains in constant contact with the wine. This prevents the cork from drying out and helps maintain the bottle's seal, thus preventing the wine from oxidizing.

The shelf life of champagne: what do you need to know?

The shelf life of champagne varies depending on the type of champagne. For non-vintage champagnes, which are a blend of several years of harvests, an optimal shelf life of 3 to 5 years is recommended.

Some Champagnes, such as Blanc de Blancs and Pinots Noirs , can age very well, while Pinots Meuniers are more sensitive to time.

For vintage champagnes, the shelf life depends on the quality of the vintage and its style. The best vintages can be stored for at least 10 years without any problems, with some cold and tense vintages reaching their peak later than sunny vintages.

Tips for storing an opened bottle of champagne

Which corks should I use to prolong freshness?

To preserve an opened bottle of champagne , the choice of cork is important. Airtight corks specially designed for sparkling wines are the most effective.

These stoppers prevent gas from escaping, allowing the champagne to retain its bubbles for several hours. You can also use an old cork from a liquor bottle, but airtight stoppers designed for sparkling wines generally work best. Avoid simply recorking the bottle with the original cork, as it will not be airtight enough to preserve the bubbles.

The teaspoon in the bottleneck: myth or reality?

The myth of the teaspoon in the neck of the champagne bottle is a widespread but unfounded belief. According to studies conducted by the Interprofessional Center for Champagne Wines, placing a teaspoon (even a silver one) in the neck of the bottle does not retain the bubbles and does not prevent the evaporation of CO2.

This method has been tested and showed negative results, confirming that it is of no use in preserving bubbles.

Tips to minimize oxidation

To minimize oxidation and keep champagne fresh, it is essential to store it in a cool, stable environment. Keep the bottle cool, ideally in the refrigerator, and avoid shaking it to preserve the bubbles.

The ideal temperature is between 4 and 8°C, which slows down the loss of gas and maintains the quality of the wine. In addition, avoid storing the bottle at room temperature or in places subject to temperature variations, as this accelerates the loss of bubbles and alters the taste of the champagne.

Prepare the champagne for serving

Chilling Champagne to Perfection

To chill champagne to perfection , it is essential to respect the ideal temperature . The serving temperature varies depending on the type of champagne. A brut champagne should be served between 6 and 9°C (43 to 48°F) , while vintage, rosé or prestige champagnes can be served between 10 and 12°C (50 to 54°F) .

There are several methods to chill champagne. You can place it in the refrigerator about 3 to 4 hours before serving. Another option is to submerge the bottle in a bucket of ice and water for about 20 to 30 minutes .

This quick method allows the champagne to be cooled without altering its aromas and effervescence .

Choosing the right glass for an ideal tasting

The choice of glass is essential to fully appreciate the aromas and effervescence of champagne. Tulip -shaped or rugby-ball- shaped flutes are the most recommended. These glasses allow the bubbles to be preserved and the aromas to be revealed optimally. Avoid flutes that are too narrow, as they do not allow the aromas to develop fully, and glasses that are too wide, as they allow the aromas to escape too quickly.

Make sure the glasses are clean and dry . Wash them with very hot water and let them dry without using a towel, to avoid any residue or unwanted odor.

Techniques for opening a bottle of champagne like a pro

Opening a bottle of champagne elegantly and without losing the precious bubbles requires a certain technique. Start by removing the silver foil and undoing the metal wire that surrounds the cork. Then, place a cloth over the cork and hold the bottle firmly by the base with one hand, while gently rotating the bottle with the other hand.

The cork should release with a gentle hiss, indicating a successful opening. Avoid making a loud "pop" noise when opening the bottle, as this can release a large amount of carbon dioxide and reduce the effervescence of the champagne. A quiet and controlled opening is the key to preserving the bubbles and aromas of the wine.

Tips for serving champagne

Optimum serving temperature

To serve champagne in the best conditions, it is essential to respect the optimal serving temperature . The ideal temperature varies depending on the type of champagne.

Non-vintage champagnes should be served between 8 and 10°C , while vintage cuvées are best served between 10 and 12°C . This temperature range helps preserve the finesse and aromatic complexity of the wine.

Avoiding extreme temperatures is essential; champagne that is too warm loses its finesse and balance , while champagne that is too cold can mask its aromas and flavors.

How to pour champagne to preserve its bubbles

The technique of pouring champagne is essential to preserve its bubbles and effervescence . Start by holding the glass tilted at a 45-degree angle.

Pouring the champagne slowly down the side of the glass helps minimize foaming and preserve the bubbles. Fill the glass two-thirds full, then slowly tilt it up while continuing to pour. This method prevents splashing and allows the flavors to fully develop.

It is also recommended to make two pours for each glass: a first pour to allow the foam to recede, followed by a second pour to fill the glass to about one centimeter from the rim.

Managing Leftovers: Can Champagne Be Restored After Serving?

If you have leftover champagne after serving, it is possible to re-store it for a short period.

If the bottle is still half full, you can store it with an airtight cap in the refrigerator. There are also devices that inject an inert gas to preserve the effervescence for several days or even weeks.

Make sure to store the bottle at a constant temperature and away from light to maintain the quality and effervescence of the champagne.

Conclusion

In conclusion, storing and serving champagne with care is essential to fully appreciate its quality and aromas . It is important to respect the ideal storage temperature between 8 and 12°C , to maintain darkness and to store the bottles lying down.

When serving, choose the right glass, pour the champagne with technique to preserve the bubbles, and consider different methods to open the bottle without excessive noise.

By following these tips, you can deliver the perfect tasting experience and honor this exceptional wine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different storage and serving methods to find what works best for you. With a little practice and passion, you’ll become a master in the art of storing and serving champagne, ready to celebrate every occasion with elegance and sophistication .

FAQ

Should you put champagne in the fridge?

Yes , it is recommended to put champagne in the fridge to preserve it. The ideal temperature is between 5 and 7°C , which helps to preserve the bubbles and aromas.

However, avoid leaving it in the fridge for too long so as not to dry out the cork.

How to store champagne: upright or lying down?

When storing champagne, the upright or lying position is not critical due to the internal pressure that keeps the cork moist. However, many producers recommend storing it lying down to avoid prolonged contact of the cork with the wine, but the upright position can also be used to minimize this risk.

The main thing is to store it in a cool place ( 10-15°C ), away from light and vibrations.

How to store champagne without a cellar?

To store champagne without a cellar, maintain a constant temperature between 10 and 12°C and a humidity of 60 to 70% . Bottles can be stored lying down or standing up, but lying down is often preferred. Avoid light, odors and vibrations. Use a wine rack in a dark room or a refrigerated apartment cellar.

How to store champagne once opened?

To preserve champagne once opened, use a specially designed airtight stopper for champagne bottles, much like you would add a sturdy barrier to the wire of your birdcage to protect the birds . This is essential not only to maintain pressure and preserve the bubbles, but also to ensure that the flavor remains as refreshing as water from your pets ' waterers . Place the bottle in the refrigerator to slow the wine's evolution, so it retains its freshness the way bird feeders keep seed dry in your coop . Avoid extreme temperatures and shaking, just as you would avoid disturbances that could stress your lovebirds .

Rapid consumption is also recommended, as champagne loses its bubbles quickly.