Cellaring
Storage, Ageing & When It Matters
Champagne doesn’t need perfect cellars or special equipment — but it does benefit from being treated well.
Not all Champagne is meant to age, and not all Champagne improves with time.
This page helps you understand how to store Champagne properly, when ageing matters, and when it’s best to drink a bottle while it’s fresh.
DO ALL CHAMPAGNES NEED TO BE CELLARED?
No.
Most Champagne is made to be enjoyed within a few years of release, especially:
- Non-Vintage Brut
- Lighter, aperitif-style Champagnes
- Bottles bought for immediate enjoyment
Cellaring only matters when the wine has:
- structure
- acidity
- time built into it by the producer
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WHICH CHAMPAGNES BENEFIT FROM AGEING
Champagnes that can improve with time usually include:
- Vintage Champagne
- Prestige cuvées
- Pinot-driven styles (Blanc de Noirs)
- Well-made grower Champagnes with structure
With age, these wines can develop:
- softer bubbles
- nutty, brioche notes
- deeper texture
- greater complexity
Ageing doesn’t make Champagne “better” — it makes it different.
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HOW TO STORE CHAMPAGNE AT HOME
You do not need a cellar.
You need consistency.
Ideal storage conditions
- Cool: around 10–12°C if possible
- Dark: away from light
- Still: no vibration
- Sideways: cork kept moist
If you don’t have these conditions, that’s fine — just don’t store Champagne:
in warm cupboards
- near ovens or heaters
- in direct sunlight
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FRIDGE VS CELLARING
Fridge storage
- Fine for weeks or months
- Not ideal for long-term ageing
- Best for Champagne you plan to drink soon
Long-term storage
- Better for vintage or prestige bottles
- Even a cool cupboard is better than a warm one
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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU KEEP A BOTTLE?
As a general guide:
- Non-Vintage Brut: drink within 2–3 years of purchase
- Vintage Champagne: 5–10 years (sometimes longer)
- Prestige cuvées: often 10+ years
If you’re unsure, drink sooner rather than later.
Champagne rarely disappoints when opened too early — but it can when opened too late.
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SIGNS A CHAMPAGNE MAY BE PAST ITS BEST
- Flat or aggressive bubbles
- Dull colour
- Heavy, tired aromas
- Lack of freshness
If it still tastes good, it is good.
Trust your senses.
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Zelda’s Table Note
Champagne is made to be shared — not saved forever.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right moment,” this might be it.