Why You Shouldn’t Always Refrigerate Champagne

If you’ve just bought yourself a bottle of champagne and decide to leave it in the fridge before you enjoy it, you may actually be ruining it. You should only be sticking champagne or sparkling wine in a fridge if you plan on enjoying the bottle within three to four days. But if you won’t be drinking it for more than a few days, you’re better off skipping the refrigerator.

If the bottle sits in a fridge for weeks, the cork can dry out due to the lack of humidity. When the cork dries out, it’ll loosen up and release the seal against the bottle. The champagne will oxidize faster, changing it’s aroma.

Aroma refers to the tiny odorous compounds that can be smelled when sniffing a bottle. The aroma and taste work together to create a wine’s flavor, any changes here will also affect the impression of it. You’re better off storing bottles of champagne in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature, such as a wine cellar. If you plan on enjoying the bottle, simply place it in a bucket filled with ice 15 to 20 minutes beforehand.

Source: House Beautiful