How to Store and Serve Champagne Like a Pro

When we’re talking about elegant celebrations, Champagne is one thing that must be prepared with it.  But actually, savoring quiet moments at home is also an opportunity to serve Champagne.  

This is a sparkling wine from France that meets strict production guidelines and is often associated with celebrations and luxury due to its bubbly nature and its reputation as a premium product.  Produced from grapes with the wine undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle to create its signature bubbles.  Its sweetness level ranges from very dry to sweet and the flavors include notes of citrus, apple, pear, brioche, and almond.  To truly enjoy its magic, it is important to know how to store and serve it properly. 

Storing Champagne

You have to preserve the Champagne’s flavor and effervescence through proper storage.  

Keep It Cool.  The storage area must have a consistent temperature between 45°F and 65°F, that is 7°C to 18°C.  Consistency is needed because temperature fluctuations can damage the wine.

Avoid Light.  Storing the bottle in a dark area like a cellar or cupboard can keep it away from direct sunlight or bright artificial light that can degrade Champagne.

Store Horizontally.  You store the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist ultimately preventing air from seeping in, especially for long-term storage.

Limit Vibration.  The wine’s delicate balance must not be disrupted by vibrations, so keep them away from appliances or areas with frequent movement.

Chilling Champagne

How do you chill it to enhance its flavors and aromas?  Place Champagne in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours before serving but avoid freezing.   The freezer can over-chill it and may even crack the bottle.  Ideally, the Champagne can be served between its 45°F and 50°F temperature.  Not when it is too warm because it will taste flat, not also when it is too cold because you’ll lose the nuances of its flavor.  You can also use an ice bucket by submerging the bottle in a mix of ice and water for 20 to 30 minutes for quicker chilling.  

Opening Champagne 

Like a pro, you should open Champagne smoothly and elegantly, with no flying corks or loud pops.  

Remove the foil that is covering the cork.  Loosen the wire cage by twisting it in 6 half-turns while holding the cork firmly.  Hold at an angle of 45 degrees pointing away from people or breakable objects.  Finally, twist the bottle, not the cork, as you hold the cork steady until it releases with a soft sigh, not a loud pop.

Serving Champagne

Choose the right glass when serving Champagne to preserve bubbles, avoid coupes because their wide brim will allow the bubbles to escape too quickly.  The tall, narrow flute glasses are ideal for preserving the bubble and showcasing the wine’s effervescence while the tulips’ slightly wider bowl enhances aromas and flavors.

Remember to pour a small amount initially into each glass to allow the foam to settle.  Then continue filling until the glass is about two-thirds full, providing space to swirl and enjoy the aromas.

That’s how you prepare Champagne for your visitors, try it with Cloudwine Champagne.

(Visited 4 times, 1 visits today)