Taking care of your wine
Our tips for storing your champagne.
What are the ideal conditions for properly storing champagne ?
Do you want to serve your guests a vintage champagne for a special occasion? However, you’re unsure how to store it so that it develops its delicate aroma? Here are some tips to help you take care of this exquisite beverage for several years.
Storage criteria: key factors for preservation.
How should champagne be stored, and for how long? The answers to these questions depend on the quality of the environment in which it is kept, including temperature, light, humidity, and the position of the bottle.
Criterion n°1 The ideal temperature.
Just like for wine enthusiasts, the storage temperature of champagne is a crucial concern for lovers of fine bubbles. High temperatures and sudden temperature changes can irreversibly damage your champagne.
To store champagne in the best possible conditions, make sure to keep it at a constant temperature between 10°C and 12°C (50°F – 54°F).
Criterion n°2 The importance of humidity.
Beyond temperature, humidity levels must also be taken into account. For optimal champagne preservation, both temperature and humidity should be carefully controlled. The ideal humidity level should be between 60% and 70%.
Humidity mainly affects the cork. A cellar that is too humid can lead to mold growth on both the cork and the label. On the other hand, an environment that is too dry can cause the cork to dry out, which could compromise the wine’s quality.
Good to know.
A vintage champagne is a high-quality champagne made from an exceptional year’s harvest and sourced exclusively from that year’s grapes. If you have a vintage champagne, it can be stored for 2 to 4 years.
Sparkling wines should also be kept at controlled temperatures between 10°C and 12°C (50°F – 54°F). Storing them in a cellar is an optimal solution to maintain these conditions.
Criterion n°3 Proper bottle positioning for storage.
The positioning of the bottle also plays a significant role in its proper storage. Many people ask themselves the following question: is it better to store champagne bottles standing up or lying down?
The pressure inside the bottle would keep the cork constantly moist, allowing it to perform its role, whether the bottles are lying down or standing up. There are two schools of thought. Some believe that the standing position has the advantage of preventing the cork from coming into contact with the wine, thereby reducing the risk of it imparting an unpleasant taste. However, the majority of producers recommend storing the bottles lying down to ensure proper cork moisture for several years.
Criterion n°4: Avoiding exposure to light and odors.
Light exposure triggers chemical reactions in champagne, which can quickly degrade its high-quality aromas. Therefore, champagne should be protected from both sunlight and artificial light sources.
Additionally, the storage area should be free from strong or persistent odors. Substances like oils, varnishes, paints, and solvents release intense smells that could affect the champagne. For optimal preservation, especially for vintage champagne, it is recommended to store bottles in temperature-controlled cabinets specifically designed for this purpose.
Champagne storage : a delicate process.
In conclusion, storing champagne under optimal conditions is no easy task. Beyond temperature control, several factors must be considered to ensure this prestigious beverage retains its sparkling aroma for as long as possible. Humidity levels and bottle positioning are just as crucial as temperature in maintaining champagne’s quality over time.
If you manage to meet all these conditions, you can store champagne for several years while preserving its excellence.
Good to know.
Even though it may be tempting to always have a bottle of champagne chilling in the fridge during the holidays, this is not recommended. A refrigerator is not designed for long-term champagne storage. If the bottle stays in the fridge for several weeks, the cork can dry out due to the lack of humidity, potentially affecting the wine’s quality. Additionally, strong-smelling fruits and vegetables can alter the champagne’s aromas, as the cork is permeable to odors.
The EuroCave solution for properly storing champagne.
Perfect conditions
The EuroCave champagne cellar recreates the perfect conditions to store and enhance your champagnes. It is the ultimate solution for keeping champagne at the ideal temperature, protected from UV rays, and with controlled humidity levels.
A feast for the eyes.
The EuroCave champagne cellar showcases your precious bottles with its stunning basin-style shelf. A true symbol of the art of living, it also offers an innovative and elegant way to serve fine bubbles.
