Alexandra, your champagne expert,
gives you some tips on how to properly store, taste and open a bottle of champagne!
How to store champagne correctly
Champagne should be consumed within one to two years. Only Millésime (vintage champagne) and magnum bottles can be stored for a few years longer.
These are the ideal conditions for storage:
Protected from light
No tremors
No overly strong smells (e.g., kitchen odors are not ideal)
A cool temperature: approx. 12°C. If this is not possible, then store in a place where temperature fluctuations do not exceed 5°C.
A spot that is not too dry, rather moist
And VERY IMPORTANT: store the bottles horizontally (otherwise the corks will dry out and the carbon dioxide gas will escape)
Conclusion
Since a cellar is not always available and it's not always possible to meet all conditions, try to observe points 1, 3, and 6.
How Champagne Is Served
The right serving temperature and the right glass make all the difference.
Cooling
Champagne should have an ideal temperature of 8 to 10°C. To achieve this, you can either place the bottle in the refrigerator 3 to 4 hours before serving, but not in the coldest part (under no circumstances should you leave the champagne there for several weeks, otherwise it could spoil). Alternatively, you can chill the bottle in a champagne bucket filled with water and ice half an hour beforehand. Do not put the champagne in the freezer, as the bubbles in your champagne could be destroyed in a few minutes.
Choose glass
The ideal glasses are tulip glasses or "flûte à champagne". They allow the bubbles enough space and the bouquet can fully develop. Another good tip: It is highly recommended to simply rinse the glasses with warm water and let them drip dry. The dishwasher leaves dish soap in the glasses, which can reduce the fizz.
Open
Hold the bottle in one hand while the other hand loosens the wire cage. Rotate the bottle upright with one hand, and the cork will come out on its own into the other hand, which covers the cork. Always hold the bottle slightly away from you, but do not point it at another person.
Pour
First, pour a very small amount into each glass before filling the glass two-thirds full. This prevents the champagne from overflowing and allows it to gradually develop its aroma...
How Champagne is Tasted
The best conditions to enjoy champagne are:
- before a meal in the late morning or late afternoon
- in a pleasant environment without disturbing odors, so you can enjoy the bouquet of your champagne.
Then look at your glass...
Consider
First, the color of your champagne; is it:
- Green-gold (Or vert): This is very often a Blanc de Blanc 100% made from Chardonnay grapes.
- Pale gold (Or pale): This is often a young champagne.
- Straw yellow (Or jaune) or old gold (vieil or): This is likely a Blanc de Noirs (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) or a blend with a minimum of 80% dark grape varieties.
- Delicate pink or salmon pink: This is a Rosé Champagne.
Next, observe the effervescence of the champagne:
- Is the bead (le cordon) visible all around the glass, only halfway, or almost not at all?
- Are the bubbles fine, lively, or abundant?
- Do the bubbles rise subtly or intensely?
Now, carefully lift your glass and deeply inhale the aroma. Smell!
Smell
- Fruity aromas - Citrus, white or red fruits?
Discover champagne with fruity aromas
- Floral bouquet - Violet, peach blossom…?
Discover champagne with vegetal aromas
- Vegetal notes - Undergrowth, freshly mown lawn…?
- Dried fruits and nuts - Plums, almonds, hazelnuts…?
- Gourmet aromas - Fresh butter, gingerbread, vanilla…?
Discover champagne with pastry notes
Taste
Finally, treat yourself to the first sip of champagne!Keep it in your mouth for a moment and savor its floral, fruity, or gourmand aromas. You will discover the unique personality of your champagne: its liveliness, its power, and its lightness. Have our tips made you want to open a bottle? Here you will find my favorite champagnes and also the recommendations from Natalie Lumpp, a TOP sommelier! Or simply discover all our champagnes!
