Wine storage,I have been mildly collecting–not spending more than around 50 bucks or so–wine and champagne for about ten years. They mainly decorate my storage cabinet. I’m sure the wine is o.k., but I do not know much about champagne?
Wine Guys Store
Providing quality information on the subject of wine.
J // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:44 am
A lot of good answers given here.
My summary are as follows: The amount of time you can store depends on the condition (especially the temperature) and the quality of the wine.
1) condition: cooler in 50-60′s and darker area, on the side; if you store in regular room in the house, you need to keep the room in 70′s degree (especially low 70′s). If your house has been hotter than that, then your wines may be at risk, especially the champagnes. Red wines are more durable, but no that much for a long time. Laying on the side and hoping the cork will keep is also importnat.
2) Quality of the wine: If the wines are well made, they can be kept for a long time. I have had wines that are 20-30 years and still tasting great, since they are kept in optimal condition. I even have a bottle of Dom Perignon from 1973 in my collection now. Yours may not be good at room temperature, however.
To test your time, open a bottle or two and see the quality of the wine. Pay attention to the cork – if the cork is bulging out even before you open, or after you pulled the cork, the cork has wine seaping through, then your wine may not be good. As for champagne, open to look for the bubble – flat champagne is no good. Obviously you have to taste the wine, but at least look at the condition before trying.
If the wines are still good, consider better storage solution – there are some beautiful wine refridgerators and cabinets available for wine storage. Good luck.
Ben F // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:44 am
If you are buying decent champagne yuo should be alright still most of your better vintage stuff (has a year on the label) should be good for several years. I have opened up bottles that are 20 years old and they taste as wonderful as ever. the best advice I could give would be to go online and find a vintage chart. This will give you some good guidelines to go by, but they are not all knowing. If you are storing non vintage champagne (with no year on the label) I would not keep any past 5to 7 years and most will be best within the lower end. Keep in mind that this is for moderately priced champange. If you have lower priced stuff like under 25 or so per bottle I would not keep any longer than 2 to 3 years.
Steffie // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:44 am
I worked at a liquor store once and the owner said you can store in indefinitely as long as the bottle is laid on its side.
jimmy d. // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:44 am
Only if the temperature has been controlled, cool enough or you will have wasted a lot of money.
Texas Cowboy // Aug 21, 2010 at 5:44 am
I just got back from Napa Valley and visited a lot of wineries including Chandon. They all recommend storing Champagne (sparkling wine) for no more that 1 to 1 1/2 years. It does not get better with age and can just go flat. Of course, you might get lucky and have it last for many years but it will not improve. Recommended storage temperature is about 55 F. Avoid temperature flunctuations.
White is similar to sparkling wine. It is meant to drink in 3 years or so.
Red wine is different and the acids and tannins can improve with age. Again, avoid temp flunctuations. Keep it a 50-60 F. Some are best after 8 years or so but drink before 12 years or you are taking a risk.