Taking care of your wine
The shelf life of champagne.
You received a bottle of champagne as a gift for a special occasion, but you don’t want to drink it right away? Like many people, you may be wondering: how long does champagne last?
How long does champagne last?
The shelf life of champagne largely depends on its quality and vintage. An unopened bottle of champagne can last around 5 years under optimal storage conditions. Generally, a non-vintage champagne should be consumed within 2 to 3 years. There are significant differences in shelf life due to variations in quality among champagnes. A vintage champagne, for example, can be stored for over a decade and will still provide an enjoyable tasting experience even after this long period.
If the bottle has been opened, expect a slight loss of quality. An opened bottle of champagne will last for 2 to 3 days.
Aging on lees.
When it comes to aging, a champagne’s delicate aroma tends to fade after a few years. However, the lees aging process plays a crucial role.
Lees aging is a technique that involves keeping the champagne in contact with lees (dead yeast deposits) after alcoholic fermentation. This process enhances the complexity and richness of flavors. It is what sets champagne apart from other fine wines. High-end champagnes require time to mature. An entry-level champagne retains its aroma for up to 5 years, whereas a prestigious champagne or a vintage champagne can be preserved for several decades. This is because the lees aging process for champagne often lasts over 8 years. To achieve this, champagne must be stored under optimal conditions using specialized equipment such as wine or champagne cellars.
Open bottles
How long does champagne last ?
An opened bottle of champagne can be stored for 2 to 3 days in a cool place, especially in wine and champagne cellars. However, expect a slight loss of quality.
How to extend the shelf life of champagne?
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A high-quality bottle of champagne can be enjoyed long after reaching its peak, provided it has been stored under optimal conditions. Champagne should be kept away from light and at a constant temperature. Proper transportation is also crucial, especially if you plan to store premium bottles for an extended period.
Three key criteria must be followed to optimize the shelf life of your champagne from the moment you acquire it:
- Transport the champagne in an insulated bag.
- Protect the champagne from shocks (the bottle contains 6 to 8 bars of pressure!)
- Store the champagne as soon as you arrive
Storage, humidity, and temperature.
The shelf life of champagne depends on storage conditions, humidity levels, and temperature. Champagne should be kept in a cool, dark place to maintain its maturity and aroma. If not stored correctly, it can quickly lose its delicate flavors. External temperature and humidity are also important factors. The ideal storage temperature for champagne is between 10°C and 12°C. Additionally, a high humidity level (around 70%) helps maintain the quality of the cork, preserving the champagne’s freshness.
Extend the shelf life with our champagne cellar.
To store champagne under optimal conditions, our champagne cellar is the ultimate reference. The EuroCave champagne cellar stands out with its sleek design and elegant details. It embodies the artistic and creative expression of hedonism, perfectly representing feelings of joy, pleasure, and desire. The design is both refined and minimalist—a new way to enjoy champagne. Adjustable between 5°C and 12°C, the EuroCave champagne cellar ensures your champagne reaches its ideal serving temperature.
