We have reached the eighth part of Bubbles for beginners, and now it is all about something very practical. Where should the bottle sit until it is time to enjoy it? Can bubbles be aged like a good red wine? And how long does the party last in a bottle you have already opened?
The good news is that bubbles are not delicate creatures that require a special wine-cellar setup. With a couple of simple habits you can store them safely, and you can let go of the myth that you always have to drink them right away. Let us take it slow and keep it clear.
What you will learn
- How to store your bubbles so they stay fresh
- Whether bubbles can be aged, or are best drunk young
- How long an open bottle keeps
- A couple of tricks for keeping the bubbles in an open bottle
How to store bubbles
Think of a bottle of bubbles as something that thrives best in a cool, dark and calm spot. Those are the three words to remember: cool, dark and calm.
Cool, because heat and big temperature swings wear on the wine, a little like milk that has been sitting too close to a warm radiator. A steady, cool temperature is better than a place that swings between warm and cold.
Dark, because sunlight is no friend to wine. That is why bottles are often made of coloured glass (green or brownish), precisely to filter away the light that could otherwise harm the wine. So place the bottle somewhere without direct sun.
Calm, because the bottle is happiest when it is left in peace without shaking. A cupboard or a shelf down near the floor, where it is cool, works fine. You do not need a wine cellar to do it right.
Can bubbles be aged?
Here comes a pleasant surprise: most bubbles are made to be enjoyed young. They are fresh and fruity, and that very freshness is the whole point. That kind should not be stored for years. Drink them while they are sparkling and lively.
But not all bubbles are alike. Bubbles made by the traditional method, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, get time on the lees, and that gives them a depth with notes of bread and brioche. That type often has more to offer with time and can withstand resting for a while in the bottle, if you like.
A simple rule of thumb: The fresh, fruity bubbles (the tank-method style) are for now. The fuller bubbles from the traditional method may benefit from a little rest, but they are still lovely young. If you want to dive into the difference between the styles, you can revisit How the bubbles arise and Champagne, cava, prosecco and crémant.
How long does an open bottle keep?
Once the cork has popped, the bubbles slowly begin to disappear, because the carbon dioxide that gives them life escapes into the air. That is entirely natural. The only question is how fast it happens.
With a good closure and the bottle in the fridge, you can easily enjoy the rest the next day, and often a couple of days beyond that. The wine has not become dangerous, but the bubbles grow fewer and the freshness more subdued with each day. Think of it like a soft drink left with a loose cap: still good, but less sparkling.
Cold is the key. The cooler the bottle sits, the longer the bubbles last. So leave it in the fridge between pours rather than letting it stand out on the table.
How to keep the bubbles
You do not need much to get the most out of an open bottle.
A proper closure helps
The old myth about a teaspoon in the bottle neck unfortunately does not do much. What really makes a difference is a closure that seals tightly. A special bubble stopper that clamps onto the bottle neck holds the bubbles far better than an ordinary cork you try to press back in.
Keep it cold and upright
Place the bottle upright in the fridge with the closure on. The cold slows the loss of bubbles, and you have a fresh start the next time you pour. A good piece of advice is to pour what you need and close the bottle again right away, instead of leaving it open.
In short
- Store bubbles cool, dark and calm, away from direct sun.
- Most bubbles are fresh and best drunk young.
- Fuller bubbles from the traditional method can withstand a little rest in the bottle.
- An open bottle often keeps a couple of days with a good closure in the fridge.
- Cold and tightly sealed is the secret to keeping the bubbles.
Frequently asked questions
Should bubbles lie down or stand upright?
For shorter storage it is perfectly fine to let the bottle stand upright. The most important thing is that it sits cool, dark and in peace. An opened bottle should always stand upright in the fridge with the closure on.
Have bubbles gone bad if they lose their bubbles?
Not necessarily. An open bottle gradually loses its bubbles, but the wine itself can still taste fine for a couple of days. It is just the freshness and the sparkle that become less pronounced over time.
Ready for the next step?
Now you know how to look after your bubbles, both before and after the cork has popped. In the next and final part, How to choose your bubbles, we tie the threads together and help you find what suits you and your occasion.
Remember that the most important rule is simple: the best bottle is the one you yourself like, with the food and the moment you feel like. Do drop by our selection when you are curious to try something new.