Shelf Life of Champagne

Shelf Life of Champagne: How Long Does Champagne Last?

You might be familiar with this situation. You've had a bottle of champagne in the fridge for quite some time, and you're wondering if it's still good. However, you won’t find an expiration date on a champagne bottle. This often raises the question: how long does champagne actually last? The shelf life of champagne depends on several factors, such as the type of champagne and how it is stored.

Champagne Shelf Life Guidelines

Before we dive deeper into this topic, here is a general standard for the shelf life of champagne: 

• Non-vintage champagne: best within 9 months.
• Vintage champagne: optimal within 1 year, but can be stored for up to 5 years, depending on the harvest year.
• Prestige champagne: can last up to 10 to 15 years.
• Opened champagne: lasts 3 to 5 days with proper storage.

Which Factors Influence the Shelf Life of Champagne?

The shelf life of champagne is influenced by several factors, including the grape composition, harvest year, bottle size, cork quality, and storage method:

1. Grape Composition: Champagne is made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The composition of these grapes largely determines the shelf life:
   
   1. Pinot Meunier: This grape adds fruity notes but matures quickly, losing its freshness faster. Champagnes with a high percentage of Pinot Meunier are generally less long-lasting (around 9 months).
   2. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: These grapes have a higher aging potential. Vintage and prestige champagnes often do not contain Pinot Meunier, making them better suited for long-term storage.
2. Harvest Year: The harvest year plays a significant role in the quality and shelf life of champagne. Grapes from a good harvest year, often from a Grand Cru or Premier Cru vineyard, are of higher quality and therefore last longer. These grapes are usually used for vintage and prestige champagnes, which are significantly more durable than non-vintage champagnes.
3. Bottle Size: The size of the bottle affects the shelf life because the ratio between liquid and oxygen varies with bottle format:
   1. Piccolo bottles (200 ml): Less durable due to greater exposure to oxygen and a limited amount of carbonation.
   2. Standard bottles (750 ml): The most stable choice for a longer shelf life.
   3. Magnum bottles (1.5 liters): The best option for long-term storage. Due to the optimal ratio between liquid and oxygen, the taste and bubbles are preserved longer.
4. Cork Quality: Corks are crucial in preserving the quality of champagne. No carbonation should escape, and the bubbles must remain at their best. The cork plays a decisive role in this. More expensive champagnes have higher-quality corks. A well-made cork seals the bottle better and is less likely to shrink.
5. Storage Method: The shelf life of champagne heavily depends on how it is stored. Keep the bottle in a dark place at a stable temperature between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius, and store it horizontally to keep the cork moist. This way, you preserve the flavor and effervescence. Want to learn more? Read our blog champagne storage.

Shelf Life of Different Types of Champagne

The shelf life of champagne varies by type and depends on the factors mentioned above. Here are the guidelines:

• Non-vintage champagne: This type of champagne, which does not have a vintage year on the bottle, can be stored for up to 9 months. These champagnes are made from grapes from multiple harvest years and tend to mature faster than vintage champagnes.
• Vintage champagne: Made from grapes harvested in a specific year, these champagnes have a more complex profile and can last up to 5 years. They develop deeper flavors and aromas as they age but can also be enjoyed young for a fresher taste.
• Prestige champagne: These champagnes are crafted from the finest grapes. Thanks to high-quality grapes and extended aging processes, they can be stored for 10 to 15 years or even longer. Over time, this type of champagne develops rich, complex flavors and aromas, making them highly durable.

How Long Does an Open Bottle of Champagne Last?

An opened bottle of champagne lasts about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to seal the bottle with a vacuum champagne stopper and store it upright in the refrigerator. This way, the bubbles and flavor are preserved for as long as possible.

Can Champagne Go Bad?

You might be wondering: does champagne go bad? Yes, champagne can spoil, but it is generally not harmful to your health. Spoiled champagne will not contain toxic substances, as its high acidity and carbonation prevent bacterial growth. However, the quality of the champagne will decline significantly. You may notice that the bubbles disappear, the aroma becomes musty or sour, and the taste turns flat or undesirably acidic.

Conclusion: This Is How Long Your Champagne Lasts!

The shelf life of champagne depends on its type and storage method. Non-vintage champagnes last up to 9 months, vintage up to 5 years, and prestige champagnes up to 15 years. Opened bottles remain good for 3 to 5 days with proper storage. Store champagne in a dark place at 5-12°C and horizontally for optimal quality. Enjoy every sparkling moment!

Want to learn more about the proper way to serve champagne? Check out our blog on champagne serving.