Champagne is a sparkling wine originating in the region of Champagne, France. It is the quintessential drink to mark major celebrations such as New Year’s Eve, weddings and significant birthdays.
It’s a popular belief that when Dom Perignon first tasted Champagne, he announced, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!”. With that, Champagne is a drink that signifies opulence and prosperity, making it the perfect gift.
Does Champagne go off?
The longevity of Champagne depends on whether it’s vintage or non-vintage. If stored correctly, an unopened bottle of vintage Champagne can last five to ten years, and a bottle of non-vintage Champagne can last three to four years.
A bottle of vintage or non-vintage Champagne can last three to five days once opened if stored correctly.
What is the difference between vintage and non-vintage Champagne?
Vintage Champagne is made using grapes from only one year. Non-vintage Champagne is made from grapes of various years. Vintage Champagne must also be matured for at least three years; non-vintage are aged for at least 18 months.
How to store Champagne correctly?
Unopened bottles of Champagne should be stored:
- in a cool, dark place (7°C–10°C) away from light
- upright, not laid on its side (if you plan to consume within a month)
- on its side, if you plan to keep it for longer than a month – it prevents the cork from drying out
- away from places with fluctuating temperatures, such as the garage
For an opened bottle of Champagne:
- put the cork or a stopper back into the bottle
- stood upright in the fridge or a cool, dark place
How many glasses of Champagne are in a bottle?
A 750ml bottle of Champagne will fill around five Champagne glasses (150ml servings). Stock up on a few bottles if you plan to share between many guests.
Signs your Champagne has gone off
For unopened bottles of Champagne, it’s hard to tell if it has gone bad without opening it. Once opened, there are a few signs that it might not be optimal:
- no bubbles or fewer bubbles
- a flat or sour taste
- strange odour
Although not harmful to drink, you may want to discard the Champagne if you’re worried it has gone off.