Champagne is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, often associated with celebrations and special events. However, many people wonder how long champagne lasts once opened. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail and provide you with all the information you need to know to ensure your champagne stays fresh and delicious.
Why does champagne go bad?
Champagne is a delicate and complex beverage that is highly susceptible to oxidation. When the bottle is opened, air rushes in, causing the champagne to begin to lose its fizziness and flavor. The longer the champagne is exposed to air, the more it deteriorates until it becomes flat and loses its aromas and flavors.
How long does champagne last once opened?
Once opened, champagne typically lasts for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. However, there are several factors that can affect the lifespan of your champagne.
Type of champagne
The type of champagne you have can affect how long it will last once opened. Non-vintage champagne is the most common type and is typically more stable than vintage champagne. Vintage champagne, on the other hand, contains more sugar and is more fragile, which means it may lose its fizziness faster once opened.
Storage temperature
The temperature at which you store your champagne can also affect how long it will last once opened. The colder the storage temperature, the longer the champagne will last. It is recommended to store opened champagne in the refrigerator, ideally at around 39°F (4°C).
Sealing method
The method used to seal the bottle after opening can also affect the lifespan of the champagne. Using a wine stopper or a champagne stopper can help to keep the champagne fresh for longer by reducing the amount of air that enters the bottle.
What happens to champagne as it goes bad?
As champagne goes bad, it will lose its fizziness and become flat. It may also lose some of its aromas and flavors, becoming dull and unpleasant to drink.
Day 1
- The champagne is still fizzy and fresh.
- The aroma is bright and fruity.
- The flavors are vibrant and crisp.
Day 2
- The champagne has started to lose its fizziness.
- The aroma is weaker than on day 1.
- The flavors are less pronounced than on day 1.
Day 3
- The champagne is almost flat.
- The aroma is faint and weak.
- The flavors are bland and muted.
Day 4 and beyond
- The champagne is completely flat.
- The aroma is non-existent.
- The flavors are unpleasant and flat.
How to store champagne once opened
The best way to store champagne once opened is to store it in the refrigerator. Ideally, you should place the opened bottle in a wine cooler or a wine fridge that has been set to around 39°F (4°C). This will help to slow down the oxidation process and keep the champagne fresh for longer.
When storing opened champagne, it is important to keep the bottle upright in order to minimize the surface area of the champagne that is exposed to air. If you have a bottle of champagne that is only partially empty, you may want to transfer the champagne to a smaller bottle with a tight-fitting cork or a champagne stopper to reduce the amount of air in the bottle.
How to know if your champagne has gone bad
If you’re not sure whether your champagne has gone bad, there are a few signs to look out for. The first and most obvious sign is that the champagne is no longer fizzy. If the champagne is flat and has lost its bubbles, it has likely gone bad.
Another sign that your champagne has gone bad is that it no longer has a fresh aroma. If the aroma is dull, weak, or non-existent, this is a sign that the champagne has lost its freshness and may not be enjoyable to drink.
Conclusion
Champagne is a delicious and delicate beverage that requires careful storage and handling in order to stay fresh and delicious. When stored properly in the refrigerator and sealed with a wine or champagne stopper, opened champagne can last for 3 to 5 days. However, it is important to keep in mind that the lifespan of your champagne may be affected by various factors, such as the type of champagne, storage temperature, and sealing method.
Common questions and answers
- Q: How long can you keep unopened champagne?
- A: Unopened champagne can last for several years if stored properly in a cool, dark place.
- Q: Can you freeze champagne to make it last longer?
- A: No, it is not recommended to freeze champagne as this can damage the flavor and texture of the wine.
- Q: Can you drink champagne that has gone bad?
- A: While it is not harmful to drink champagne that has gone bad, it may not be enjoyable due to its flatness and lack of flavor.
- Q: Can you store opened champagne at room temperature?
- A: It is not recommended to store opened champagne at room temperature as this can speed up the oxidation process and cause the champagne to go bad faster.
- Q: Can you store champagne in the freezer to chill it?
- A: While it is possible to store champagne in the freezer to chill it quickly, you should avoid leaving it in the freezer for too long as this can cause the bottle to break and the champagne to lose its fizziness.
References
1. Famille JM Cazals. “How Long Does Champagne Last Once Opened?” JM Cazals.
2. “How to Store Champagne.” Wine Spectator.
3. “How Long Does Champagne Last?” Wine Folly.
4. “Understanding Champagne Shelf Life.” Veuve Clicquot.