Raise your glasses, wine lovers, for we're about to embark on an adventure into the world of sparkling wines! Whether you're a true bubbly connoisseur or merely enjoy the thrill of popping corks, one thing is certain: storing the bottles that contain these lovely dancing droplets of celebration is an art unto itself. In this article, we'll unravel the mysteries of keeping that alluring effervescence and dig into the techniques of storing your bubbly wines with the care they deserve.
How to store a corked bottle of sparkling wine
There are many factors to take into consideration when storing a bottle of sparkling wine, namely:
Bottle Orientation
Most of the time, it is best to store a bottle of sparkling wine on its side, and at a slight angle, if possible. This way the cork will stay moist, preventing oxygen from coming and carbon dioxide from going out, a phenomenon that is guaranteed to make the bubbles disappear. Furthermore, storing sparkling wines horizontally helps minimize any damage that might be caused by ullage, the empty space above a liquid in a container.
Ullage is a natural byproduct of aging wine, since whether we want it or not, a small amount of liquid is bound to evaporate due to the laws of nature. Modern day corks are made to minimize this effect, but if you’re buying older bottles, it’s something you should check and take into consideration. Storing your bottles horizontally makes oxygen less likely to enter the bottle, speeding up the aging process and ruining the bubbles.
If you’re planning on opening a bottle soon, ideally within a month, you can store it vertically, since the pressure in the bottle will be enough to keep the cork moist and the seal intact during short-term storage.
Avoid exposure to light
It's best to keep your bottles in a dark place as UV rays from the sun can pass through the bottle and cause a phenomenon known as "light strike." Light can convert the amino acids found naturally in wines into sulfur-containing compounds that smell like rotten eggs or cabbage.
Create a humid environment
For long-term storage of sparkling wine, it’s best to keep humidity levels in the 50-85% range, which is optimal for keeping the cork moist. Too much moisture, on the other hand, might cause mold to grow on the cork, so be careful not to exceed this range.
Keep your bottles steady
Sparkling wine bottles should be kept as still as possible for long-term storage. Vibrations can really affect the concentrations of acid and alcohol, contributing to sourness and other sensory alterations. If you want to store your wines for an extended period, it’s best to keep them in a cellar, or at least at some place where there won’t be many vibrations. That’s why your refrigerator isn’t the ideal long-term storage space for sparkling wines, as you’ll often move things around. However, a wine fridge is an equally ideal solution to a cellar.
Find the best temperature
The most crucial aspect of sparkling wine's durability is knowing what temperature it should be stored at. Unopened bottles of sparkling wine can get excessively cold in standard refrigerators. The optimal temperature for sparkling wine storage is between 50 and 55 °F (10-13°C), which is the temperature of wine fridges. If you don't have a wine fridge or cellar, you can store your wines in a drawer or cabinet in a room where the sun doesn't shine too brightly. Keep in mind, though, that your bottles should be stored in places where the temperature is reasonably constant, so don't put them in rooms where you'll be putting the heat up and down frequently.
For more information on how to preserve Sparkling Wine, click here.
How to store sparkling wine once you’ve popped the cork
It’s not uncommon to find yourself with a couple of bottles that haven’t been emptied after having some friends over. Here are some insider tips to ensure that the bubbles won’t fade away as soon as the guests have left. From the ideal refrigerator temperature to specialized champagne stoppers, here are some tricks to extend the life of your favorite sparkling wines.
Keep the bottle cold
Putting the bottle in an ice bucket between servings is going to help reduce the release of trapped carbon dioxide, which gives sparkling wines their fizz. As soon as you empty the ice bucket, but the bottle in the fridge so that it can maintain its cold temperature. We don’t recommend putting it in the freezer, as that can result in the wine losing its delicacy.
Invest in a Champagne Stopper
After a bottle of bubbly is uncorked, it’s only a matter of time before it goes flat. That’s why we believe that the best thing you can do is invest in a high-quality champagne stopper. Using the original cork will not as effectively reseal the bottle, especially if it has been damaged. The Coravin Sparkling™ Stopper, for instance, adjusts to fit any standard or magnum bottle. It locks in securely, meaning you can store it on its side in the fridge. Combined with the Coravin Sparkling Charger, the device keeps your favorite Champagne. Cava, Prosecco or Sparkling, fresh and effervescent for up to 4 weeks, ensuring that the last glass tastes just as good as the first.
How to use the Coravin Sparkling device?
Using Coravin’s sparkling device is very simple.
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Pop that cork and pour your desired amount of Sparkling wine.
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Raise the lock handle on the Sparkling Stopper, until you see the unlock symbol, and place the stopper over the neck of the bottle before firmly pressing the lock handle down and closing the bottle completely.
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Charge the stopper with the Sparkling Stopper. Hold down until the pressure indicator turns green.
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When you’re ready for your next glass, Tilt the stopper to release pressure. Then raise the handle to unlock and remove the Sparkling stopper.
See below diagram for an easy to follow guide, or click here to watch a short and informative video.
The Coravin Sparkling devices comes with a sparkling charger, 2 sparkling stoppers, 4 Sparkling CO2 capsules and a bottle sleeve. All in all, a fully equipped kit for all sparkling wine lovers. Additional stoppers and capsules can be purchased through Coravin’s website.
Why choose Coravin Sparkling?
There’s no doubt that a high-quality stopper is 100 times better than a metal spoon. But there’s a handful of reasons as to why you should choose Coravin Sparkling.
Adaptability
The Coravin Sparkling device is not limited to specific types or sizes of sparkling wine bottles. It works flawlessly with any bottle of bubbly, be it a standard size, small, or even magnum. Moreover, it offers the added advantage of being compatible with certain beer bottles, making it a versatile preservation tool for a range of carbonated beverages.
Practicality
With the Coravin Sparkling device, you can comfortably keep your opened bottle of sparkling in the refrigerator, even on its side. The sturdy stopper guarantees a tight seal, preventing leaks and carbonation loss. This feature allows you to keep the flavors and bubbles of your Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava without taking up refrigerator space or worrying about spillage.
Ingenuity
The clever CO2 injection method of the device is critical in keeping the effervescence of your Champagne. It restores any lost pressure in the container by adding a controlled amount of CO2, effectively sustaining the bubbles. In the end, each sip from the bottle retains the lovely sparkle and vivacious flavor that make Sparkling Wine so appealing.
Increased Longevity
You will never again feel the need to finish a bottle of champagne in one sitting in order to preserve its effervescence. With the Coravin Sparkling gadget, you may comfortably pour a glass or two of your favorite Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, knowing that the remaining wine will retain its effervescence and wonderful flavors for weeks to come.