How to store an opened bottle of Champagne? Practical tips and advice

Why does open Champagne quickly lose its qualities?

Wine oxidation
As soon as Champagne is opened, it comes into contact with air. This causes oxidation, which alters its taste and reduces its freshness.

Loss of bubbles and pressure
Champagne loses its sparkle as carbon dioxide escapes. This explains why the wine quickly becomes "flat".


The influence of temperature
Champagne left at room temperature loses its liveliness more quickly than a bottle kept cold.

How long can you keep Champagne open?

With a special Champagne cork
Up to 48 hours in the fridge, with preservation of the bubbles.

With the original cork
Preservation limited to 12 to 24 hours only, as the cork does not act as a hermetic barrier.

Without cork
Champagne goes flat in just a few hours.

The best ways to keep Champagne open

Use a special hermetic sparkling wine stopper
This is the most effective method: it maintains pressure and preserves the bubbles.

Place the bottle in the refrigerator
The cold slows down the evaporation of carbon dioxide.

Keep the bottle upright
Standing up, the surface area in contact with the air is reduced, which limits oxidation.

Alternative tips if you don't have a special cap

Use a small silver spoon (myth or reality?)
This trick is widely used, but tests show that it has no real effectiveness.

Cover the neck with cling film
This limits air ingress, even if the effectiveness is reduced compared with a suitable stopper.

Transfer to a small bottle
Less air = better preservation. Practical if you have a suitable container.

Mistakes to avoid

- Never leave a bottle open without protection.

- Avoid storing at room temperature.

- Do not put the opened bottle down.

What to do with stale Champagne

Use it in cooking
Flat Champagne can be used in sauces, risottos or simmered dishes.

Make cocktails
Add it to fruit juices or liqueurs to create original Champagne-based cocktails.

Anti-waste tip
It can also be used to poach fruit or deglaze meat.

With a suitable cap: approx. 2 days. Without cap: just a few hours.

Yes, he's not dangerous, but he'll have lost his charm and vivacity.

No, that's an urban legend with no scientific basis.

No, it doesn't retain pressure. Only a hermetic cap is effective.

No, it doesn't become toxic, but it does lose its taste quality.

Conclusion: keep Champagne open to prolong the party

The best way to store opened Champagne is to seal it with a special hermetic cork and keep the bottle upright in the fridge. This will preserve the bubbles and aromas for up to 48 hours.


👉 But remember: Champagne is a celebratory drink, made to be enjoyed quickly and shared.