How Long Does Champagne Last?

Does champagne go bad? 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.

Champagne actually starts with wine that is put through a second fermentation process where a small amount of sugar and yeast are added to the bottle in order that carbon dioxide production begins. According to the American Scientist journal, this process produces approximately 20 million bubbles that will be appear in each single poured glass.

So, before you toast that special occasion you may wonder if your champagne has gone bad? When properly stored, the shelf life of champagne past its purchase date is approximately ...

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Champagne Expiration Date

(Unopened) Cellar/Fridge
Past Purchase
Champagne lasts for 3-4 Years
Sparkling Wine lasts for 3-4 Years
Vintage Champagne lasts for 20+ Years

Of course, champagne lasts for a shorter period of time if it is not stored properly. The majority of champagne is non-vintage and intended for consumption after purchase as the quality will decline over time, whereas more expensive vintage champagne is intended to last many more years without degradation. You should also note that the year printed on the bottle is the year that the grapes were harvested and not the year that it was bottled.

How to tell if Champagne is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

With champagne, since the un-corking of the bottle adds to the celebration, it is nice to know before you open the bottle if it will be top quality for the occasion. The best way to tell if champagne has gone bad before opening it is trying to remember when you purchased it (sorry, bad answer).

So, does champagne go bad? Yes, all types will eventually go bad or at least taste flat. If champagne has gone bad, or is beyond the years listed in the table, it will probably be void of bubbles and have a flat taste which then usually turns to a sour taste.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled drinks so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your drinks before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Champagne to extend its shelf life?

Champagne is best kept standing upright (to avoid any oxygen leaking through the cork) in the refrigerator, especially if it was purchased refrigerated. Keeping it at a constant temperature is important in order to maintain quality. So, once you chill champagne you should keep it refrigerated until used.

Wine cellars are also perfect storage for champagne, but be sure to chill the champagne in the refrigerator prior to opening for at least 30-45 minutes in order to achieve the best results. As a warm, shaken bottle of champagne will gush and loose product.

If you choose not to refrigerate champagne, store it upright in a cool dark place that is at a constant temperature and chill just before opening.When you open the bottle, do it very slowly. Turn the cork just a sixteenth of an inch with each turn for best results, unless you prefer a shower instead of a drink.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Interesting facts about Champagne:

  • The term is used exclusively for product from the Champagne region of France. All others should be called sparkling wines.
  • To give your glass some added fizz, drop a raisin into the bottom of your flute. The carbon dioxide will stick to the surface of the raisin and then release as tiny bubbles from the raisin.
  • How long is Champagne good for when prepared in a dish?

    How long does champagne last? That depends. How long do strawberries last? In general, it lasts only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

    What are our shelf life resources?

    In determining how long Champagne lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Champagne.

    *An important note about expiration dates...

    Although the Champagne shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please drink responsibly!

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    With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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