Shelf life of champagne
Champagne is an alcohol that has become a symbol of celebration, joy and love. It is an invariable attribute of weddings and anniversaries, corporate events and romantic dates. He is loved, but not bought often.
And those who go to the store to buy champagne invariably want to buy only the best, the most delicious and the freshest. But how to do that?
Most often, on bottle labels we see an inscription that very clearly stipulates the final period of sale (or shelf life) of a given product. Most often for champagne it is one year. However, it is worth figuring out what the "expiration date" is.
This term means the time during which a particular food product (drink) retains all useful and taste properties, and is suitable for consumption. When this period expires, foods (drinks) are not recommended to be consumed, because they may not only turn out to be not tasty, but also spoiled. This means harm to health, from mild indigestion to serious poisoning. That is, after the date indicated by the manufacturer opposite the words "good before", any product or drink is prohibited to be consumed inside.
But is it only this fateful date on the bottle of champagne that determines its deadline? And really champagne, usable today, can already become a poison tomorrow?
The answer to both of these questions is negative. Let's consider them in order.
Firstly, in addition to the indicated shelf life of the drink (like any other product), you must first take into account the conditions in which it was stored. And this is the temperature and humidity of the air, the availability of the drink for direct sunlight (remember the inscription: "do not buy from the shop window"?) And a combination of other small moments. If the necessary storage (or transportation) conditions are not met, then the champagne will become "expired" much earlier than the expiration date indicated on its label.
That is why it is recommended to choose the freshest drink as possible, not being guided by the fact that there is still a lot of time until the end of its implementation period. After all, you do not know in what conditions it was stored in the warehouse, whether it was exposed to too high or too low temperatures, to direct sunlight.
Secondly, the expiration date does not expire in one day. Therefore, if the champagne was transported and stored correctly, then it may be quite usable even some time after the date indicated as the deadline for sale. It's just worth knowing that it is from this fateful date that its properties begin to change. Champagne loses its taste and aroma. But even after drinking such a drink, you will not be poisoned. You may just not get the expected pleasure.
So, we came to the conclusion that the shelf life of champagne and sparkling wines (and other drinks and products) directly depends on the conditions of their storage.
So it's time to sanctify the question of how to store champagne.
Under these conditions, champagne can be stored for up to three years. But how can manufacturers not insure themselves by looking at how bottles of sparkling drink are stored on the shelves in the store? Therefore, it appears on the label that this alcohol is suitable for 12 months.
Only in elite, specialized stores take care of compliance with all storage conditions for alcoholic beverages. In ordinary ones, everything is the same: unfurnished shelves for storing champagne are located right in sales areas full of light and warmth.
The taste of such champagne is rapidly deteriorating, especially in the summer, when the sun's rays never stop falling on the glass windows.
So take note of all these requirements if you decide to purchase champagne in advance or with some margin. Under normal circumstances, it is best not to buy strategic champagne stocks for more than a month. Otherwise, both you and your guests will be very disappointed, having tasted bitter and exhausted instead of the refined drink sparkling in a glass.
Capping also plays a role in the shelf life of champagne. A beverage sealed with a cork stopper can be stored for up to two years without incident, while a plastic cork shortens this period to one year.
The situation is completely different with an open bottle of champagne. You can only keep it for one day if you close it with a special stopper and put it in the refrigerator. If the champagne is "exhausted", then it is better to just pour it out.
Storing an open drink
How will a live drink behave when it gains access to the environment? You need to know what to do with an open bottle of wine. A quality drink will gradually turn into vinegar as soon as oxygen enters the bottle. To to slow down the oxidation process, an unfinished bottle must be immediately tightly closed with a cork. But it will not save the whole drink.
- Sparkling wines deteriorate the fastest. Their shelf life after opening is 4 hours. If the bottle is tightly closed, it can last for a maximum of 24 hours.
- Pinks, whites and light reds are capable of retaining their scent for 3 days.
- But the dense red drink is capable of not changing its taste for 5 days.
- Sweet and fortified wines last the longest open. Alcohol and sugar can slow down the oxidation process. Port wine, sherry, Madeira, as well as their other brethren in composition, can remain in their original form for a whole week.
Open wine needs cold. But do not forget that before drinking red wine must be taken out of the refrigerator in advance in order to warm it up to room temperature. This will help reveal the whole bouquet of flavors. Special vacuum lids will help to extend the shelf life. You can also use the addition of gas with a special device. The rest of the drink is best poured into a smaller container. It should fill the container to the very top and be tightly closed with a lid. This is necessary in order not to leave room for air.
Leftover wine can be used to prepare various dishes. The oxidized product will be an excellent marinade for meat and more.
Five rules for storing wine in an apartment
The wine cellar is not the only place to store wine. Even for storing wine at home, you can easily create suitable conditions. To do this, it is enough to take into account 5 important parameters:
- Lighting. Since bright light contributes to the rapid aging of wine, it should only be stored in a dark place. Direct sunlight is a great danger. They spoil the taste and quality of the product very quickly. The farthest corners, where a minimum of light penetrates, is best suited for storing champagne.
- Temperature conditions. Compliance with the temperature rules will not only help preserve the quality of the drink, but also allow you to quickly prepare it for serving. The optimum storage temperature is 10-15 degrees. When serving, it is necessary to maintain the temperature for white wines 9-12 degrees, and for red ones - 15-17 degrees.
- The humidity in the room must be observed at all times. 60-80% humidity prevents cork from drying out and mold formation.
- The position of bottles with screw and silicone closures is of no fundamental importance. But the traditional cork must be in contact with the drink.Therefore, such wines are stored only horizontally.
- One of the important conditions is complete rest. It is best to fix the bottles securely in order to avoid unnecessary movements and vibrations.
For those who plan to store a large amount of product, the installation of a specialized cabinet is best suited. However, such a pleasure is not cheap, and in the scale of standard apartments it is not always possible to afford it. A wine cabinet has nothing to do with a refrigerator. It not only constantly maintains the required temperature, but also has full climate control functions. In such a cabinet, the bottles will be in complete rest, darkness and a certain humidity.
The conditions of the apartment are not quite suitable for fermentation and maturation of the drink. But you can afford to store several liters, it is enough to pour them into a suitable container. You can save the drink in a dark closet, regular bar or refrigerator. A cold storage room under the kitchen windowsill, which is found in old-style houses, is also perfect.
When asked whether it is possible to store wine in plastic bottles, there is an unequivocal answer - storage in plastic bottles must be abandoned once and for all. As you know, any liquid greatly changes its taste and smell from this material. A plastic bottle can be used as a last resort, for fast transportation.
Storage features
Champagne is a wine with some carbon dioxide content. This fact directly affects the shelf life of champagne, which differs significantly from the terms of ordinary wines and cognac products.
It is the bubbles that affect the shelf life of a sparkling drink.
Contrary to the popular belief that alcohol only "gains" its taste over the years, this does not apply to sparkling wines. Carbon dioxide in the drink shortens its shelf life, and the champagne itself requires special storage conditions.
Please note that the requirements and shelf life of real champagne and sparkling wine drink differ significantly. Real sparkling wine must:
Contain information about the date of harvest.
The storage period is indicated specific, for example, 12 months. But the phrase "the shelf life is not limited" raises doubts about the quality of the drink.
Pay attention to the price, quality and brand of the manufacturer. Elite alcohol is produced according to strict standards and usually has a shelf life for much longer than budget alcohol
The shelf life of champagne is usually 1-3 years, provided that the original packaging is not opened and all storage recommendations are followed. Elite champagne can last up to 10 years if stored properly at home. An open bottle, for obvious reasons, will not last even a week.
Storage requirements: 3 conditions
How long can champagne be stored in a closed bottle? The term directly depends on compliance with the storage conditions:
It would be a huge mistake to store champagne bottles in kitchen cabinets, bar compartments, sideboards.
Storing sparkling wines at room temperature means shortening its shelf life with your own hands.
The fact is that at such a temperature regime the fermentation process starts, the wine sours, the cork dries out. In addition, naturally occurring gases can push out the cork and one day the champagne will "shoot".
At what temperature should champagne be stored? The temperature should be between 5-15 ° C, and you can reach it by placing a bottle:
You cannot keep the drink where sudden changes in temperature are possible.
It is not for nothing that real wine boutiques are located in basements and semi-basements: sunlight is harmful for alcohol and sparkling wines.
The taste of the drink directly depends on how lit the place of its storage was. How much sparkling wine can be stored after purchase also depends on the intensity of the light:
- The drink should not stand in a well-lit place, especially in direct sunlight.
- Artificial lighting also negatively affects the quality and shelf life of the drink.
- If the glass of the bottle is not tinted, then it is better to store the container in a box or in a dark, cool place.
Humidity is an equally important factor that many people forget about. It must be at least 75%, otherwise the cork will dry out.
A damp and dark cellar is the perfect place for sparkling wine.
If you buy champagne not in a special store, but in a supermarket, where the conditions for storing alcohol do not meet the requirements, try to choose the freshest batch and drink the drink in the next 3 months.
Helpful Hints: 4 Tips
For obvious reasons, many of us do not have a dedicated wine cellar, a damp and dark basement. But how long can a bottle of sparkling wine be stored in this case, and most importantly, where? The answer is simple - in the refrigerator, which everyone has at home.
If there is no cellar, store the champagne in the refrigerator
I will give some more recommendations, they will allow you to preserve the taste and freshness of the drink for as long as possible:
If you buy the drink yourself, then go to a specialty store and avoid shopping in the hypermarket.
If you purchased your drink from a wine boutique, be sure it was stored properly.
If the price of champagne is low (not elite branded alcohol), then choose a bottle from the freshest batch and try to open it no later than 3 months after the production date.
If possible, store the bottle horizontally (this will prevent the cork from drying out), at a relative humidity of 75%.
To prevent light from penetrating through the glass of the bottle, wrap it with a soft dark cloth and put it in the refrigerator (in the main compartment, where the temperature is about 5–10 ° C).
How to store open champagne? Everything is much simpler here - you don't need to store it at all. Gas bubbles, no matter how tightly you close the lid, evaporate very quickly, the drink quickly loses its taste and turns sour. Therefore, regardless of the elitism of alcohol, drink it within 24 hours after opening the container.
After opening the bottle, it is advisable to drink champagne within 24 hours, since gas bubbles quickly evaporate
Where does wine live
All manufacturers equip special wine cellars, since, in addition to temperature, wine needs a special humidity regime. If the cork dries out, then it begins to let air through, because of this, the evaporation of the drink begins. But especially excessive moisture or damp smell can also harm the quality and taste. The wine product absorbs the smells of everything that is nearby. Therefore, the shelf for storing it must be equipped in such a way that evaporation does not reach it.
A live drink is particularly sensitive to movement, shaking and vibrations. Throughout the entire aging period, it matures and changes its qualities. Therefore, you need to move the stored bottles as little as possible. Unwanted movement can provoke an acceleration of chemical processes.
As a rule, dust and cobwebs are not even wiped off them. In order for the cork to have constant contact with the drink, it is customary to store bottles in a horizontal position. A wet cork will prevent oxygen from entering the bottle. Its ingress can lead to oxidation and transformation of wine into vinegar. And also the crust makes it possible to breathe, which cannot be said about plastic corks.
Rules and shelf life in a closed bottle
Closed sparkling wine at home should be kept in a cellar or basement. All suitable conditions are combined there. In addition, many bottles can be kept in such a room at once. However, not everyone can keep champagne in a cellar or basement. In an ordinary apartment, the drink can be placed in a pantry or on a cool loggia. A refrigerator is also a good option.
In this case, it is important to adhere to the following rules:
- It is recommended to keep the drink in the refrigerator on the top shelf or in a special compartment for bottles.
- The champagne should not be exposed to light. To do this, you can darken the place or wrap the bottles in a dark cloth.
- Do not break the temperature regime.
The shelf life of the drink depends on the quality of the product and the type of raw material:
- Good vintage wine can be stored for 10-25 years.
- When making a drink from raw materials that are not intended for long-term storage, it must be used within 3 years. Such products, in particular, include the famous Abrau Durso champagne.
- It is recommended to store Soviet champagne for 10-12 months from the date of issue. However, it is best to drink the product within the time specified by the manufacturer.
Be sure to adhere to the rules for storing sparkling wines, which are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. At the same time, they should be cooled immediately before use. First, it is recommended to put the champagne in a cold place for 1-2 hours, and then serve it to the table in a bucket of ice.
Where to store champagne
Can champagne be kept in the refrigerator? If you have enough space, then it will be right to store closed champagne there. Here, the optimal storage conditions are observed, under which it will be possible to store unopened champagne throughout the shelf life indicated on the manufacturer's label.
The choice of a place where you will store stocks is worth worrying about in advance. The best place in the house to store champagne is:
- cool loggia or balcony;
- pantry;
- cellar or basement;
- ventilated garage;
- cooler bag.
The latter option will especially appeal to those who are going into nature and want to drink a bottle of sparkling wine there.
How much to store champagne at home depends on the shelf life and temperature. If you keep it within the limits specified by the manufacturer, and do not make sharp changes, the wine can be kept tasty until the expiration date.
How long can an already opened champagne be stored? If a bottle remains open, it should be carefully sealed by inserting a paper napkin into the cork to seal it. How long open champagne can be stored depends on the storage temperature, the lower it is, the slower the drink will lose its taste. It is best to put an open bottle in the refrigerator and drink it as soon as possible so that it does not spoil.
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How to choose? Where to store and how to serve?
- I wonder why it exploded for no reason, no reason? - upset Ritka thought again.
- I do not know. Let's take a look on the Internet - I suggested.
And here's what turned out. Champagne is a sparkling wine that cannot be stored for a long time. It can be kept at room temperature for only three months. Only storage in the refrigerator can extend the life of champagne. Then the term is increased to one year.
Therefore, the usual for us method of storing sparkling wine in a sideboard is fraught with unexpected consequences, such as my friend's. Ideal storage temperature for champagne is minus 10-12 degrees Celsius. In no case should you freeze and store champagne at lower or higher temperatures. Otherwise, it will simply be spoiled.
In order for a bottle of champagne to survive until the New Year's holiday, it is stored at an angle so that the wine moistens the cork. Otherwise, the plug dries up and all the gas simply evaporates. After that, champagne is no longer champagne.
How to choose champagne
First, let's talk about the champagne bottle label. It must contain the manufacturer, his address, and other details. The choice of champagne for the new year is a matter of taste for everyone.
Brut, semi-sweet, dry and semi-dry - it's up to you.
If you find on the label the words "with additives" or "with flavors", then it is best to leave the bottle on the shelves of the store, because it is a fake.
According to all international standards, champagne for the new year should be made from white grapes. Red or rosé sparkling wine cannot be mistaken for champagne.
Artificial bubbles do not last long, and such champagne has little foam. Look for the inscription "seasoned".
Make sure the champagne bottle is dark. In a transparent bottle, sparkling wine reacts with light, ages quickly and becomes bitter in taste
You should also pay attention to the cork: the cork retains the taste and aroma of champagne better. Plastic cork only ruins him
How to serve and drink champagne
According to all the rules of etiquette, champagne is served chilled. But to cool it down, you don't need to put the bottle in the freezer. To do this, put the bottle in an ice bucket for an hour. Properly chilled champagne will give you all its exquisite taste and aroma.
You need to open champagne carefully, without loosening the bottle. Otherwise, all of its contents will be on you and your guests. A sticky drink can ruin an entire evening. If you're afraid of splashing champagne, wrap a towel around the neck. The plug is removed by twisting. Turn the plug left and right. Hold it down as the gas will push the plug out.
When pouring champagne into glasses, do not fill them to the brim. According to etiquette, they should be filled in half or 1/3 part. The glass must not be empty. Champagne is always poured into the glass when it starts to empty. Well, this, of course, depends on the wishes of the owner of the glass.
Hope all of these tips will help you choose a good champagne for the new year. Real sparkling wine will bring a festive mood on New Year's Eve. And under the chimes, not the explosion of the bottle, but the sound of champagne pouring into the glasses will be heard. Let it sparkle, bubble and play with you on this wonderful New Year's holiday! Happiness, smiles and fun!
Valentina Lonkunova specially for the site Women's Conversations
How long can you store champagne?
Vintage champagne can boast of the longest shelf life, but only on condition that the correct storage conditions have been created for it.
If champagne was created on the basis of blending of different wine materials, accompanied by harvests of different years, and the aging period of which is minimal, then the shelf life of such a drink is reduced to three years.
By the way, the familiar champagne, with which the whole country celebrated the New Year for many years, called "Soviet Champagne", is not accompanied by a long shelf life. Experts assure that it is better to store it for no more than one year.
It is unlikely that it will be possible to find out the true shelf life of champagne by examining the label, since sometimes the manufacturer himself underestimates these indicators, since he is sure that not everyone is able to provide the correct storage conditions for a noble drink.
If a bottle of champagne was uncorked at the festive table, it is advisable to immediately pour it into glasses and drink it. It is prohibited to store open champagne, and provided that the bottle is closed with a cork and placed in the refrigerator, it is allowed to store champagne for no more than two days. In no case should you drink champagne, which is already expired by all indicators.
Many connoisseurs of champagne, who cannot imagine a single holiday without an amazing drink, try to get their favorite drink in advance. By the way, this, indeed, is a rational action, since you can slowly examine each bottle, study the varieties, and then purchase a drink. When purchasing champagne on the eve of the holiday, you have to be content with what is left after those who turned out to be quicker and managed to get the best options.