Champagne storage: a comprehensive guide

Champagne ist nicht nur ein Getränk, sondern ein Symbol für Feiern und Luxus. Um seine einzigartigen Aromen und seine feine Perlage zu bewahren, ist die richtige Champagner Lagerung von entscheidender Bedeutung. In diesem Leitfaden werden wir die besten Methoden zur Lagerung von Champagner erörtern, um sicherzustellen, dass Sie stets die beste Qualität genießen können.

Introduction to champagne storage

Champagne, the sparkling drink from the Champagne region of France, is renowned for its complexity and finesse. Whether for special occasions or as part of your collection, the storage of Champagne is a crucial factor in preserving its quality and promoting its development. The correct handling of Champagne can make the difference between an average and an exceptional flavour experience.

Why is it important to store champagne correctly?

The effects of light and temperature

Champagne is sensitive to light and temperature. Direct sunlight or strong light sources can change the chemical compounds in the champagne, leading to rapid ageing and a loss of freshness. A constant temperature that is not too extreme is ideal.

The influence of humidity

Humidity also plays an important role. Excessive humidity can damage the labels on the bottles or cause mould to grow on the bottles. Cork grows. If the humidity is too low, it can dry out the cork and cause air to enter the bottle, causing the champagne to oxidise.

The importance of the bottle position

The way in which the bottle is stored also has an influence on the quality of the champagne. Bottles that are stored horizontally have the advantage that the cork remains moist and therefore ensures a better seal.

Tips for storing champagne

The ideal storage temperature

The perfect temperature for storing champagne is between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius. This temperature ensures that the champagne matures slowly and develops its flavours optimally. Extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided as they can affect the quality of the champagne.

The right storage location

Wählen Sie einen kühlen, dunklen Ort zur Champagner Lagerung. Ein Weinkeller oder ein spezieller Kühlschrank für Champagner sind ideal. Vermeiden Sie Orte, die starken Gerüchen ausgesetzt sind, da Champagner leicht Fremdgerüche annehmen kann.

The bottle position

Champagne bottles should ideally be stored horizontally. This helps to keep the cork moist, which in turn reduces the risk of oxidation. This is particularly important for sparkling wines, such as those found in champagne, as the pressure in the bottle affects the tightness of the cork.

Avoidance of vibrations

Champagne should be stored in a place where there are no vibrations or shocks. These can disturb the fine bubbles in the champagne and negatively affect its structure. A quiet, stable storage location is therefore essential.

Long-term champagne storage

Maturation potential

Not all champagnes are suitable for long-term storage. While some varieties can benefit from extended ageing, others are best when enjoyed young and fresh. Vintage champagnes and certain prestige cuvées often have the potential to age for years and further develop their flavours.

Influence of bottle ageing

Over time, the champagne changes in the bottle. The flavours continue to develop and the champagne can become more complex. This is particularly the case with high-quality vintage champagnes. However, be careful not to store champagne for too long, as even the best bottles will eventually exceed their optimum drinking maturity.

Short-term storage and serving temperature

Preparation before serving

If you want to store champagne for a short time, make sure that the bottle is well chilled before you open it. A serving temperature of around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius is ideal to bring out the flavours to their best advantage. If the temperature is too high, the champagne may lose its freshness too quickly.

The right cooling mechanism

For short-term cooling, you can store champagne in a refrigerator. Alternatively, you can place it in an ice bucket with ice and water. This ensures even and rapid cooling without unnecessarily shocking the champagne.

Avoid mistakes when storing champagne

Storage near heat sources

Avoid storing champagne near heat sources such as radiators or the sun. Heat can quickly impair the quality of the champagne.

Neglecting the bottle position

Make sure that champagne bottles are stored horizontally to keep the cork moist. Avoiding vibrations and shocks is also important for the quality of the champagne.

Lack of humidity

Humidity that is too low can dry out the cork and allow air to enter the bottle. Make sure that the humidity in your storage area remains constant.

Special storage options

Champagne fridges

There are special refrigerators for champagne that offer ideal storage conditions. These fridges are designed to meet the needs of champagne and provide the right temperature, humidity and protection from light.

Wine cellar and storage rooms

A well-planned wine cellar can also provide an excellent storage environment. It should be cool, dark and quiet to ensure the best conditions for Champagne storage.

Frequently asked questions about champagne storage

How long can champagne be stored?

The storage time of Champagne depends on the type of Champagne. Vintage champagne can often be stored for many years, while non-vintage champagne is best enjoyed within one to two years of purchase.

Can champagne be matured in the bottle?

Yes, Champagne can mature in the bottle, especially when it comes to high-quality vintage Champagnes. Ageing can lead to a more complex and balanced flavour structure.

How do I recognise if champagne has gone bad?

Champagne that has gone bad can develop an unpleasant odour and lose its bubbles. If the champagne smells flat or oxidised, it is probably no longer drinkable.

The importance of the vintage and the champagne house

Der Wert eines Jahrgangschampagners ist nicht nur eine Frage des Alters, sondern auch des Namens des Champagnerhauses und des Jahrgangs selbst. Einige Vintages sind aufgrund ihrer außergewöhnlichen Qualität und Seltenheit besonders begehrt. Champagnerhäuser wie Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon und Krug haben sich durch ihre Qualität und History einen Namen gemacht. Ein Jahrgang Champagner von einem renommierten Haus kann beträchtliche Summen auf dem Markt erzielen, insbesondere wenn er aus einem besonders guten Jahrgang stammt.

For example, some exceptional champagnes were auctioned off at the famous Christie's auction house at high prices. Six magnum bottles of Veuve Clicquot Brut 1949 were sold just before the year 2000 for US $9,200 each. Three bottles of Dom Pérignon 1964 realised US $1,139 per bottle, while a bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Goût Américain 1907, salvaged from the wreck of a Swedish ship, fetched US $4,068. These examples illustrate that the combination of vintage, house and proper Champagne storage is crucial to the value of a Champagne.

The role of storage in value enhancement

Champagne storage is a critical factor that influences the flavour, quality and ultimately the value. Champagne that is stored under optimal conditions can maintain or even improve its characteristics over many years. Proper storage can make the difference between an average and an exceptional vintage champagne.

The influence of storage on flavour

Champagne storage influences the flavours and development of the champagne. In the first few years after bottling, champagne develops its typical flavours of fruitiness and freshness. Over time, these flavours change and develop complex notes of nuts, honey and pastries. This depends on how long the champagne matures on the lees before it is disgorged.

A well-aged vintage champagne can significantly improve its aromas and flavour. A Champagne that matures in the right conditions can develop an exceptional flavour profile that is highly valued by connoisseurs and collectors.

The value of old vintage champagnes

The value of old vintage champagnes can increase considerably, especially if they have been stored under optimal conditions. The price of such champagnes can depend on various factors, such as the age, the condition of the bottle and the storage history. Some champagnes that have been stored in exceptional conditions achieve impressive prices at auction. Proper champagne storage is important!

Historical auction prices

The above-mentioned auction prices give an idea of how high the market value of rare and well-stored champagnes can be. The bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Goût Américain 1907 is an example of a champagne that was sold at a high price due to its storage conditions and historical value. This bottle was salvaged from a shipwreck and stored under constant conditions for over 80 years. The price of US $4.068 shows how important storage can be for the value of a champagne.

The current market conditions

In recent years, prices for champagne have stabilised at a more realistic level. Nevertheless, triple-digit sums can still be the norm for particularly rare or high-quality champagnes. The market for Champagne remains dynamic and value can be influenced by factors such as demand for certain vintages and the condition of the bottles.

The cellar book: an indispensable tool for champagne collectors

A cellar book is an essential tool for anyone who maintains a collection of champagnes. It helps to keep track of the various bottles and document important information. A well-kept cellar book makes it possible to monitor the condition of the bottles and champagne storage, check the storage conditions and track the value of the collection.

Important information in the cellar book

A comprehensive cellar book should contain the following data:

• Total number of bottles: The number of bottles in the collection gives an overview of the size of the champagne collection.
• Number of bottles per variety: It is important to document the number of bottles of each variety in order to monitor the availability and value of each variety.
• Date and place of purchase: The date and place of purchase help to trace the origin of the bottles and document the history of the collection.
• Purchase price and possible sale price: This information is important for the valuation of the collection and for future sales decisions.
• Total price of all bottles: The total value of the collection provides an overview of the financial value of the champagnes.
• Tasting data and impressions: Notes about the tasting of the champagnes and the impressions of each champagne are valuable information for future decisions.
• Friends and events: Records of the friends with whom the champagnes were drunk and the occasions on which they were enjoyed can preserve personal memories.
• Shelf life: The estimated shelf life of each variety provides information on the optimum storage period and the best time for consumption.
• Rack or shelf: The exact position of each bottle in the cellar helps to easily find and organise the bottles.

The importance of confidentiality

The cellar book should always be stored securely to ensure confidentiality. Much of the data entered is private and may contain confidential information about the value and origin of the champagnes. It is advisable to restrict access to this book to trusted individuals to ensure the security of the information.

Conclusion

Proper Champagne storage is crucial to preserving its quality and flavour. By following the tips above and creating the best storage conditions, you can ensure that your Champagne is always at its best. Remember that Champagne storage not only helps to protect Champagne, but also to promote its development and maturation. Enjoy your sparkling beverage with the knowledge that it has been stored in the best conditions.