People usually drink Champagne to celebrate any special occasion, such as birthdays, weddings, and New Year's Eve. But, once you've opened a bottle and think if there will be some left, you ask yourself: how long does Champagne last?
When talking about the shelf life of Champagne, it is essential to know if the wine is vintage or not and whether it's opened or not. Generally, vintage Champagnes have a 5 to 10-year shelf life, while non-vintage ones can last for 3 to 4 years.
If you want to learn more about Champagne’s longevity and other useful information. Keep reading for more details!
How Long Does Champagne Last?
Unlikered wines and somewhite wines, Champagne and other sparkling wines are best enjoyed immediately after purchase. This way, you get to enjoy the signature fizz and the delightful acidity.
However, if you plan on holding off your Champagne for a while, you can do so but note that there's a time limit. Furthermore, it depends on several factors, which will be further discussed below.
Vintage Champagne or Non-vintage Champagne
There are generally two types of Champagne according to the year of harvest: vintage and non-vintage.
The easiest way to determine whether a Champagne is vintage or non-vintage is byreading Champagne labels. If you see a year on the bottle, that means the wine is vintage. Otherwise, it is non-vintage.
For a bottle of Champagne to be called vintage, it must be produced fromChampagne grapes harvested from the same year. Bottles of vintage Champagne are produced only in limited quantities, about 5% of the whole Champagne productions.
Their grapes are usually harvested in a single good year and from excellent vineyards, giving them higher quality. So, it's easy to see why this is considered the crème de la crème of Champagnes.
If stored correctly and left intact, vintages can retain their taste between 5 to 10 years. These are designed to age better than non-vintage ones, which is why they last longer. Other people even say that some vintage Champagnes can last for 20 years or more.
On the other hand, non-vintage Champagnes are made from blending grapes harvested from different years. Champagne houses and winemakers frequently curate non-vintage Champagnes with a specific goal in mind for how they want them to taste.
Non-vintage Champagnes do not have the reputation of being superior, but they are very accessible and offer many fantastic selections as well. In fact, the best cheap Champagnes can easily be anyone's go-to for any celebration.
These wines are estimated to have a shelf life of 3 to 4 years, given that you follow the correct storage instructions.
Opened or Unopened
It's a no-brainer that an unopened Champagne would last longer than an opened one. Although, you also need to consider how your unopened bottles are stored as their shelf life is greatly affected by storage conditions.
If you store unopened Champagne inside your wine cellar or awine refrigerator and away from light, then this will help maintain its quality longer than if left out on an exposed surface where sunrays can reach.
As mentioned above, an unopened bottle of vintage can last for up to 10 years, while a non-vintage can only last for about 5 years. However, certain vintage Champagnes can exceed the said lifespan as they are intended to be aged for years in the bottle before you should open them.
Once you open a bottle of Champagne, the air is introduced inside the bottle. If you don't pour all the Champagne in one sitting, its quality will slowly deteriorate.
Nevertheless, both vintage and non-vintage Champagnes can still be in decent condition for 3 to 5 days following their opening. Beyond this time, it may not be pleasant todrink the Champagne anymore.
Sealed or Unsealed
Leftover Champagne is susceptible to spoiling, but how can one avoid this? The answer: storing Champagne properly!
If you decide to put a Champagne stopper on your bottle, the sparkling wine can still be good to drink for 3 to 5 days. This will prevent the CO2 from escaping the bottle and prevent the drink from going flat.
You can also reseal it using a red or white wine cork. Champagne corks are usually tapered, making them difficult to fit into the bottle. This is why still wine corks are recommended.
Conversely, if you'll just put a less secure covering for your bottle, say, plastic wrap, be sure to consume the leftover Champagne within two days at most. Furthermore, it's a good idea to keep the opened Champagne in the wine fridge to keep it cool. If unavailable, place it wherever it is dark, cool, with no sunlight.
Does Champagne Go Bad?
Most alcoholic drinks can last for decades if they are unopened. But, once a bottle of alcohol is opened, it will also start to deteriorate. And with several factors like air exposure and storage,alcohol will eventually go bad.
Red wines and somewhite wines are known to become better when they age. But, Champagne doesn't improve its taste over time. Whether it's vintage or non-vintage, a Champagne will, unfortunately, go bad when the time comes.
Compared to most wines and liquors, Champagne is carbonated. Its fizz and bubbles are one of the reasons why people love it! However, it is also why they can't be aged or stored as long as other alcohols.
We already know that opening a bottle of Champagne and exposing it to oxygen means losing its fizz. However, oxygen isn't the only thing you're exposing the Champagne to when you open it.
You are also exposing it to bacteria! Some of them, known as acetic acid bacteria, can eat the alcohol away when they would come in contact with the Champagne.
They produce acetic acid and acetaldehyde, which give your opened Champagne the sharp smell that's reminiscent of vinegar.
How Long Does Champagne Last FAQ
1. How to know if Champagne is spoiled?
To know if a Champagne has gone bad, you need to open and assess it yourself. Once that's done, there are several indicators you should see.
The first is the iconic pop you hear when you open a Champagne bottle. If you can't hear the pop, that could mean the Champagne has lost the carbonation.
Afterward, you should smell and see. If a sour aroma will envelop you, and you can see clumps forming and floating, that's a clear indication that the Champagne is already spoiled. Another sign is when the color has turned dark or brownish.
If that's not enough proof for you, you can resort to tasting the liquid. If you can taste nothing but sourness, similar to vinegar, then it's already gone bad.
2. What happens if you drink bad Champagne?
As unhealthy as it sounds, drinking spoiled, flat Champagne won't poison you. You have nothing to worry about if you accidentally consume some. The only thing it'll give you is dissatisfaction because of the experience.
If you're curious about what bad Champagne tastes like, you can take a small sip. Avoid consuming a lot of it because it may contain microbes if improperly stored.
Many people would rather throw away their old bottles and favor new ones because they lose bubbles, develop off aromas, and sour taste.
3. Does Champagne improve when aged?
You can age or mature Champagne for a short period since it already had its aging before it's sold. However, the result isn't assured; it could either go well, just the same, or bad.
Some factors that could affect the aging process are your Champagne's quality and how you store Champagne.
Vintage champagnes and prestige cuvées are said to do well with aging instead of non-vintage Champagnes. However, even the most expensive vintage bottle or cuvée could still lose its carbonation after decades of aging, and you'll also see changes in its color.
There is also a possibility that the Champagne won't have the same taste or flavor that it originally had. It may lose its carbonation but develop more complex and quite different flavors. Few people or perhaps no one would risk a long time to change Champagne most of the time.
Still, whether the taste of the aged Champagne is likable or not is solely up to the drinker. Different preferences mean different opinions.
4. Is there a difference between the shelf life of Champagne and other sparkling wines?
Sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France are made using the traditional method. Other bubbly such asProsecco, are made using the tank method, which produces subtle or less intense bubbles than Champagne.
Prosecco and other sparkling wines not made using the traditional method typically have a shorter shelf life than Champagne. Unopened bottles can last three years at most from the time of their bottling.
If opened, it's best to consume all the sparkling wine the same day you purchased it. With awine stopper or a Champagne sealer, you can save some leftovers but only up to one day.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, here's a table of the longevity of Champagne based on its type and storage condition:
Vintage | Non-vintage | |
Unopened | 5 - 10 years | 3 - 4 years |
Opened | 3 - 5 days (with stopper) 1- 2 days (Without stopper) | |
Champagne is one of life's most luxurious indulgences. Understandably, many people want to make sure they're getting the most out of their purchase. That's why it's important to be aware of how long it lasts and the reason behind it.
Did you find this article helpful? Feel free to leave your comments below and share your knowledge about Champagne’s shelf life if ever we missed some information.
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FAQs
How long does Champagne last on shelf? ›
As a rule, non-vintage Champagnes can be kept unopened for three to four years, and vintage cuvées for five to ten years. Champagnes will change as they age – most will become a deeper, golden colour and loose some of their effervescence.
Is Champagne OK after 20 years? ›Certain Champagnes have a shelf life of 20 years or more. These prestige Cuvees are aged longer before release and develop a more complex flavor and aroma. Here are 5 of the best age-worthy Champagnes: 1921 Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Brut ($4,443)
Can you drink a 40 year old bottle of Champagne? ›Is it safe to drink an old bottle of Champagne? An old bottle of Champagne—be it opened or unopened—will not harm you in any way.
Does Champagne expire or go bad? ›As you might expect, the "vintage" bottle is going to last longer—up to 15 years if stored properly. A "non-vintage" Champagne may only last about 3 to 4 years. Of course, there are exceptions to these rules—some Champagnes and wines are just not very good from the get-go.
Does unopened Champagne expire? ›If you're planning on saving a nice bottle of bubbly for a special occasion, your best bet is to leave it as it is and make sure that you store it in the right way. Unopened champagne will last: Three to four years if it is non-vintage; Five to ten years if it is a vintage.
How long does Dom Perignon champagne last unopened? ›An unopened bottle of Dom Perignon usually lasts between 5 to 10 years, whereas unopened non vintage Champagne typically lasts up to four years. If you store your Dom Perignon Champagne properly, it can develop more complex aromas and flavors with time.
What is the oldest champagne still drinkable? ›The oldest bottle of Champagne still in existence, is believed to be Perrier-Jouet's 1825 Vintage, although, in 2010, we almost discovered something older.
Is 1990 Dom Perignon still good? ›Is Dom Perignon Good After 20 years? You can cellar a Dom Perignon vintage Champagne bottle for up to 20 years. However, the drinking window for the 1990 Dom Perignon vintage is between 1997-2020, so it's best to pop open this fine wine bottle now!
Is 1995 Dom Perignon still good? ›Yes, this exotic Moet & Chandon vintage Champagne is ready to drink and will last up to 2035. It has begun to show incredibly complex and concentrated fruit-flavors now.
Is champagne from 1999 still good? ›Is champagne from 1999 still good? The 1999 Dom Perignon vintage Champagne can last up to 10 years longer than non-vintage champagne. After peak years, if not properly preserved, the quality might begin to deteriorate. From 2008 through 2023, this vintage wine will be enjoyable.
Is 1992 Dom Perignon still good? ›
The Champagne vintage of 1992 is generally considered a good year.
What are the aging rules for champagne? ›All Champagne wines must spend at least 15 months aging in the bottle before release, rising to three years for vintage wines. In practice, the Champagne Houses cellar their wines for much longer: 2-3 years for non-vintage Champagne, and at least 4-10 years, if not more, for vintage Champagne.
Can you drink 2 year old champagne? ›Is It Safe To Drink An Old Bottle Of Champagne? No, it is not safe to drink a bottle of champagne that has been stored for longer than three years. This is due to the fact that the drink will have changed in terms of taste and quality due to oxidation.
Can you drink champagne over 10 years old? ›That means that the non-vintage variety is best if you consume it within 4 to 5 years of bottling. Vintage champagne lasts easily 10+ years in good quality. That means that a bottle of Bollinger or Veuve Clicquot you bought a decade ago is most likely perfectly fine now.
How do you store champagne for years? ›Keep the bottles away from bright light. Try to store your Champagne in a cool place where the temperature is relatively constant (if you don't have a dedicated wine fridge or temperature and humidity-controlled cellar). If you can, consider buying magnums for longer-term ageing potential.
Can you store an unopened bottle of champagne? ›If you're going to be storing an unopened bottle of champagne for longer than a month: Lay your bottles horizontally on a rack or shelf. Store them at a temperature between 50-and 59-degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the bottles away from sunlight.
How long is Korbel champagne good for? ›Korbel Brut Champagne: A Great Find At Costco
Non-vintage Champagnes should be kept in the refrigerator for three to four years, whereas vintage Cuvees should be kept in the refrigerator for five to ten years.
You might have noticed that your bottle of KORBEL California Champagne does not have a vintage date. That is not unusual. Most champagnes are nonvintage, meaning that they are made using grapes from multiple harvests. The process ensures consistency in the quality and taste of the champagne.
Is 2009 Dom Perignon still good to drink? ›It is an excellent choice to drink while waiting for the release of the stellar 2008 and some recent vintages that remain very young, including the 2006. Despite the warm, ripe personality of the 2009 Dom Pérignon is quite gracious, but there is plenty of depth underpinning the fruit.
Is a 1996 bottle of Dom Perignon still good? ›While the lesser 1996 Champagnes may be dying off, the giants of the vintage are still very much alive and are performing beautifully right now – if they have been treated well in the past 21 years of their lives, that is. Vintage Champagne probably more so than other wines is prone to bottle variation.
Is 1985 Dom Perignon still good? ›
Is Dom Perignon 1985 still good? With an aging potential of 20-40 years, a bottle of Dom Perignon 1985 vintage is perfect to serve until 2030, provided it's stored in perfect condition in your cellar.
Can you tell how old a bottle of Champagne is? ›Disgorgement dates are stamped clearly on back labels and in some cuvées also on corks. The bottling code laser-etched on every cuvée is the disgorgement date. Disgorgement dates are printed on every back label and every cork. The first two digits are the month and the second two are the year.
Does old Champagne lose its alcohol content? ›Same thing with changing a wine's temperature or even aging a wine—alcohol percentages don't change. Perception is one thing, but the chemistry of wine is another. A wine's alcohol content is determined during fermentation, when the sugar in the grapes is converted to alcohol.
What is the lifespan of Dom Perignon? ›Dom Perignon is a vintage Champagne and lasts longer than most. While you can open yours immediately after purchase, an unopened bottle can keep up to 7-10 years after that, and sometimes longer!
Can I drink 20 year old Dom Perignon? ›Yes, a 20 year old bottle of Dom Perignon can still be good. The flavor of Dom Perignon is dependent on a number of factors, including the specific vintage and the storage temperature, so it is impossible to say for certain whether a 20 year old bottle will be in excellent condition.
Can you drink 1993 Dom Perignon? ›But, is this sparkling wine vintage still good for consumption? Yes, the 1993 Dom Perignon Cuvee is perfect for opening now. Dom Perignon also released its second Plenitude (Dom Perignon 1993 P2) that is also ready for popping.
Can you drink 1999 Dom Perignon? ›The 1999 Dom Perignon vintage Champagne can last longer than non vintage wine - usually up to 7 to 10 years. If not stored properly, the quality can start deteriorating after peak years. This vintage wine will drink well from 2008 to 2023.
Does vintage champagne get better with age? ›Most vintage Champagnes, when stored in a cool place, can age and improve for up to 20 years or more.
Should Champagne be stored on side or upright? ›Unlike most wines, the angle of storage does not affect Champagne's longevity. The rule of thumb is to store Champagne upright in the short term (one month) and on its side for long-term storage. Most wines are stored on their side to prevent cork dry-out by keeping the wine in contact with the cork.
Is 21 year old Champagne drinkable? ›Eventually, yes. Certain champagnes, as detailed below, can last beyond 20 years. The shelf life of champagne depends on a variety of factors, such as the label and how the champagne was stored.
Is 2008 Dom Perignon still good? ›
The 2008 Dom Pérignon continues to show very well, offering up a pretty bouquet of Anjou pear, fresh peach, citrus oil, fresh pastry, smoke and iodine.
Is 2002 Dom Perignon still good? ›When to drink: Dom Perignon 2002 Champagne is ready to drink, but for the best showing, wait a few years. Drink now through 2028. Grapes: Typical blend is approximately 50% pinot noir and 50% chardonnay, but varies with vintage.
Can you still drink 1998 Dom Perignon? ›The 1998 vintage is ready to drink but will continue to improve till 2030.
Is 2008 or 2010 Dom Perignon better? ›And the two wines are very different. I found the 2010 much more balanced and drinkable with the acidity and density of fruit more in harmony than the 2008. The latter is also much more intense and powerful, with some restraint.
Why is Dom Perignon so hard to find? ›“Global demand for premium Champagne products has significantly increased,” says the LCBO. “Vintage Champagnes – which take at least five years to produce – may not be able to ramp up production quickly to meet demand.”
What is the minimum age for vintage champagne? ›All genuine Champagnes must spend at least 15 months maturing in the winemaker's cellars before release. Vintage cuvées are matured for at least three years.
Is it OK for a 12 year old to drink Champagne? ›There is no acceptable amount of alcohol that is considered safe for children. Children metabolize alcohol faster than adults. This means that even a small amount of alcohol can lead to higher blood-alcohol concentrations. This can lead to low blood sugar, coma, and problems regulating body temperature.
Should you store champagne in the refrigerator? ›If storing Champagne very short-term (3-4 days), it can be kept in the fridge at 8-10 ºC. If Champagne is kept in the fridge any longer it risks the cork drying out and the wine spoiling. For anything up to a month, Champagne should be kept at room temperature and away from light.
Can I drink champagne that is left in room temperature for seven years? ›How long can champagne last before going bad? Old bottles of non-vintage champagne should be kept at room temperature for three to four years, while vintage bottles should be kept at room temperature for five to ten years.
Can you drink 50 year old Champagne? ›Simple answer is yes! The more complex answer is that it might not taste all that great but I've had some aged sparkling wines that were 10+ years old and were quite nice. But having lost it's carbonation does not make it bad, it will taste just like you described, cheap old wine.
Can you store Champagne on a shelf? ›
If you're going to be storing an unopened bottle of champagne for longer than a month: Lay your bottles horizontally on a rack or shelf. Store them at a temperature between 50-and 59-degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the bottles away from sunlight.
Does champagne increase in value with age? ›Interestingly, vintage Champagne displays a premium, considerably increasing in value as it ages, signaling that younger vintages will reach the equivalent price of similar quality older vintages with age.
Should Champagne be stored flat or upright? ›One thing that doesn't really matter is the angle of the bottle. Unlike still wine, Champagne can be stored on its side or upright since the pressure inside the bottle will keep the cork moist and the seal intact in either case.
What's the best way to store unopened Champagne? ›In the long term, you should place your bubbly in a wine storage below room temperature (with a constant temperature of about 13 °C. Never store your Champagne bottle in the freezer. The frigid temperature often dries out the cork and lets oxygen into the unopened bottle, which results in bad Champagne.
How do you store Champagne for years? ›Keep the bottles away from bright light. Try to store your Champagne in a cool place where the temperature is relatively constant (if you don't have a dedicated wine fridge or temperature and humidity-controlled cellar). If you can, consider buying magnums for longer-term ageing potential.
Can you drink Dom Perignon from 1985? ›Is Dom Perignon 1985 still good? With an aging potential of 20-40 years, a bottle of Dom Perignon 1985 vintage is perfect to serve until 2030, provided it's stored in perfect condition in your cellar.