11 Ways to Store Champagne
Champagne has long been synonymous with celebration and luxury. This prestigious bubbly beverage deserves proper storage to maintain its unique qualities and flavors. If you’ve ever wondered how to store champagne correctly, you’re in luck! In this article, we will discuss 11 different ways to store your cherished champagne bottles.
1. The Traditional Wine Rack
A traditional wine rack is a reliable option for storing champagne bottles horizontally. This position keeps the cork moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out and spoil the champagne.
2. Cellar Storage
A cellar provides optimal conditions for storing champagne – constant low temperature (around 10-12°C), adequate humidity levels (50-70%), and minimal light exposure. Storing your bottles on their sides or at a slight angle ensures that the cork remains moist.
3. The Refrigerator
Storing champagne in the refrigerator can be a convenient short-term solution if you plan to consume it within a few weeks. However, remember to keep it away from sources of strong odors and protect it from vibrations that may affect its quality.
4. Specialized Wine Fridge
Wine specific refrigerators allow you to control the temperature and humidity precisely, offering a stable environment for your champagne. Depending on its size, you can choose freestanding or built-in options for your wine fridge.
5. Wrapped in Tissue Paper
Wrapping champagne bottles in tissue paper or cloth provides an additional layer of protection against sunlight damage while preserving an appropriate storage temperature.
6. Use Champagne Stopper
A high-quality champagne stopper helps maintain the freshness of an opened bottle by creating an airtight seal that prevents the escape of bubbles and preserves taste.
7. The Original Carton or Wooden Case
Storing your champagne bottles in their original carton or wooden case shields them from light, dust, and accidental damage; just make sure to keep them horizontal so that the corks stay moist.
8. Store Upright for Short-term Storage
If you plan to consume your champagne within a couple of days, you can store it upright; otherwise, prolonged storage in this position might cause the cork to dry out resulting in the loss of carbonation.
9. Use a Wine or Champagne Collar
A wine or champagne collar helps to catch any drips after you’ve opened your bottle, reducing wastage and ensuring every last drop is enjoyed.
10. Invest in a Home Wine Vault
A wine vault offers top-notch security and controlled climate conditions for storing your most precious wines and champagnes, maintaining them in optimal conditions for years to come.
11. Digital Tracking System
If you have an extensive champagne collection, implementing a digital tracking system will help you stay organized. Apps and software that cater specifically to wine collectors let you track your inventory, note tasting dates, and even recommend optimal drinking times.
In conclusion, storing champagne correctly is essential for preserving its unique characteristics and taste. Whether you opt for an exclusive wine vault or prefer traditional storage methods such as cellars or horizontal wine racks, ensure that your bottles are safe from light exposure, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations. Cheers!