Whether you're celebrating a significant life event or simply enjoying a lavish dinner, champagne is invariably the most elegant companion. You probably have wondered, how to ensure the continuing excellence of your stored champagne. This article unveils the intricacies of keeping champagne at its finest.
Storing Champagne: A Matter of Position
Contrary to popular belief, the proper storage of champagne doesn't necessitate lying down the bottle. In a bid to ensure their peak form, you can comfortably keep your champagne bottles upright. However, nuanced approaches like storing them slanting could offer added benefits to the conservation.
Eyeing long-term storage? Think Cave à vin
For conservation over a span of a decade or more, it’s wise to store your champagne in a cave à vin. The controlled temperature of a proper wine cellar ensures to preserve the champagne's original palette and texture.
Keep your champagne in the chiller?: Yes, but not forever!
While it might seem logical to store the bottles in a fridge, it’s important to remember that the cork can dry out if the champagne is refrigerated for extended durations. The resulting loss of elasticity could lead to the loss of those delightful bubbles. A rule of thumb is to store the bottle in the fridge for short periods before opening.
After opening: Consume quickly to enjoy the best flavor
As with many other wines, an opened bottle of champagne should ideally be finished the same day/within three days. Although a high-quality champagne stopper could allow you to relish the bubbles for a couple of days longer, nothing beats the enchanting taste of a freshly opened bottle.
The Impact of External Temperatures: Heat and Cold
Perhaps the most crucival aspect of champagne conservation is maintaining a stable temperature. It goes without saying that storing the bottles in extreme temperatures or exposure to direct sunlight has adverse effects on the champagne's quality and taste.
Conservation of Different Types of Champagne
Just as there are numerous varieties of champagne, there are different ways to conserve them. Vintage champagne, for instance, can stand the test of time better than the non-vintage counterparts and can often be aged for 10 years or more. Blanc de blanc champagne requires particular care in terms of temperature and position.
In conclusion, maintaining the quality of champagne is all about the right conditions and careful handling. So, next time you are keeping here a bottle of any brand, ensure it’s stored properly to appreciate the finest essence of this royal drink. Remember, it’s not just about keeping the champagne cool, it’s about preserving the effervescence, taste, and the charm that makes every celebration truly sparkling."}