I absolutely love champagne! There’s just something so luxurious and celebratory about popping open a bottle of bubbles. But as any champagne enthusiast knows, properly storing champagne is crucial to maintaining its quality and flavor. In this article, I’ll share my personal tips and tricks for storing champagne, so you can enjoy every sip at its best.
The Basics of Champagne Storage
Before we dive into the details, let’s go over the fundamentals of champagne storage. Champagne should be kept in a cool, dark, and humid environment. Ideally, the temperature should be between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C), with minimal fluctuations. Sunlight and heat can cause the champagne to age prematurely and lose its delicate flavors and effervescence.
My Champagne Storage Setup
When it comes to storing my precious bottles of champagne, I’ve created a special spot in my home that meets all the necessary conditions. I have a wine refrigerator dedicated solely to champagne, set to a temperature of 50°F (10°C). This ensures a consistent, cool environment that protects the integrity of the champagne.
To further shield the bottles from light, I’ve installed opaque curtains over the glass door of the refrigerator. This ensures that my champagne stays in complete darkness, free from any harmful UV rays.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Storage
One common question when it comes to champagne storage is whether to store the bottles upright or on their sides. Traditionally, wine bottles are stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out. However, champagne bottles have a different structure.
The high pressure inside a champagne bottle helps to keep the cork moist, so storing champagne upright won’t cause any harm. In fact, storing champagne vertically can be advantageous if you have limited space, as it allows you to maximize the number of bottles you can store.
Protecting Champagne from Vibrations
Vibrations should be avoided as they can disturb the sediment and negatively impact the quality of the champagne. I make sure to keep my champagne away from any appliances or areas prone to frequent vibrations, such as the washing machine or loud speakers.
If you have a large collection of champagne, investing in specialized wine racks that absorb vibrations can be a great option. These racks are designed to minimize disturbances and keep your champagne undisturbed during storage.
Conclusion
Properly storing champagne is essential to preserving its unique flavors and characteristics. By following these tips and implementing my personal storage setup, I can assure you that every bottle of champagne I open is a delightful experience. Cheers to enjoying champagne at its finest!
