Champagne - Use By Date??

[Lesley Jay]

This is probably a stupid question but does champagne go off??

I have had half a dozen bottles of champagne in a wine rack for well over 10 years now - will it still be okay to drink or should I throw it in the skip??

[whitedragon]

no no no dont skip it some can go off but others keep depends on the champagne

but anyway it could be worth cash people collect it plus the bottles are good for wine making

[Nicos]

Yes it does LJ- but it depends on the type.
I suggest you open one and see how it is- then you'll know for sure.

[Lesley Jay]

Right then, we'll crack a bottle open!

[runnerbean]

LJ, here's a recipe for your champagne.
Pour the champagne into wide necked jars, then leave open for a couple of weeks, then seal. The resulting vinegar can be stored for up to 6 months but discard any that show signs of mould. The following recipe can be made from that vinegar:-
Champagne Vinaigrette
2 tsp of Dijon mustard
1/4 cup of Champagne Vinegar
3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper
In a small bowl combine the mustard and vinegar, while whisking continuously drizzle in olive oil , season with salt and pepper. May be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

[Lesley Jay]

Thanks Runnerbean! That's a great idea because the OH doesn't drink, so I can have a glass then make Champagne Vinegar with the rest of the bottle.

[Nicos]

Originally Posted by Lesley Jay

I can have a glass then make Champagne Vinegar with the rest of the bottle.

As if!!!!!!!

[Lesley Jay]

Originally Posted by Nicos

As if!!!!!!!

You know me too well Nicos!!!!

[green fingers]

A good question. I have a bottle of millenium champagne that I intend to keep for my sons 21st birthday. He was born in 2000 so it will be 21 years old. I just hope its still ok by then, it will be fun finding out whatever the outcome.

[Morpheus]

Store it well and it will keep. Most non vintage champagnes will keep for a good few years but not greatly improve in the bottle. Vintage years are the ones to keep as they do improve in the bottle significantly.

Always store bottles of wine on their sides, out of bright light, vibration and excessive heat or cold. An old fashioned pantry or a not to damp cellar are great.

[Rockrose]

Non vintage champagne tends lose its flavour after a while, therefore I would drink it before it's too late.
Vintage champagne can be stored much longer when in a dry and cool place.

[PlantingJoe]

We've had some hidden away for years now, I always assumed because it would get better with age and not because everyone had given up drinking (and trust me, we haven't!). I'll have to check out the name - maybe best to drink it, maybe not