Will Champagne go bad?Yes, it can. However, proper storage can significantly extend Champagne’s lifespan. How long Champagne lasts depends on several factors, including the wine’s quality, as well as the storage environment and method. During the second fermentation in the bottle, a small amount of sugar and yeast is added to Champagne, producing carbon dioxide. According to research published in American Scientist, this secondary fermentation process generates roughly 20 million tiny bubbles.
How long does Champagne last? (from the purchase date)
Champagne is a special type of sparkling wine. Most sparkling wines, including Champagne, can be stored for 3–4 years after purchase, while vintage Champagne can age for more than 20 years. That said, improper storage can dramatically shorten its lifespan.
Most Champagnes on the market are non-vintage, so they are best enjoyed relatively soon after purchase. If stored for too long, their quality will gradually decline. High-quality, premium-priced vintage Champagnes, on the other hand, can be cellared for many years without concern. It is worth noting that the vintage year printed on a Champagne bottle refers to the year the grapes were harvested, not the bottling date.
How can you tell if Champagne has gone bad?
Before opening a bottle, the only reference point is the purchase date. Once opened, however, you can judge its condition by the sound of the cork popping and the behavior of the bubbles. A good Champagne will release lively, fine bubbles that rise continuously after opening. If the Champagne has spoiled or is past its prime, it may produce very few bubbles—or none at all—and will often taste sour or flat.
How should Champagne be stored to maximize its lifespan?
Champagne is best stored upright in a wine fridge, which helps reduce the risk of oxygen seeping in through the closure. Champagne can also be kept in a wine cellar. Before drinking, it should be chilled for 30–45 minutes prior to opening to achieve optimal enjoyment.
If you have neither a wine fridge nor a cellar, Champagne can be stored in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature.
A fun trick when drinking Champagne
When drinking Champagne, try placing a raisin into a flute glass. Carbon dioxide will gather on the surface of the raisin, causing streams of tiny bubbles to form and rise from it.
How long can Champagne last once poured into a glass?
The moment Champagne is poured into a glass marks the peak of its life, after which it quickly fades—much like fireworks, whose beauty is brightest at the moment they burst. For this reason, Champagne that has already been poured should be enjoyed as soon as possible.
Final note
The data referenced in this article comes from multiple sources, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and various online resources. That said, given the wide range of Champagne brands and styles available, some individual products may not fully align with every point discussed above.
