How long should I store wine and champagne?!
How long should I store wine and champagne?
I have been mildly collecting--not spending more than around 50 bucks or so--wine and champagne for about ten years. They mainly decorate my storage cabinet. I'm sure the wine is o.k., but I do not know much about champagne?
Answers:
A lot of good answers given here.
My summary are as follows: The amount of time you can store depends on the condition (especially the temperature) and the quality of the wine.
1) condition: cooler in 50-60's and darker area, on the side; if you store in regular room in the house, you need to keep the room in 70's degree (especially low 70's). If your house has been hotter than that, then your wines may be at risk, especially the champagnes. Red wines are more durable, but no that much for a long time. Laying on the side and hoping the cork will keep is also importnat.
2) Quality of the wine: If the wines are well made, they can be kept for a long time. I have had wines that are 20-30 years and still tasting great, since they are kept in optimal condition. I even have a bottle of Dom Perignon from 1973 in my collection now. Yours may not be good at room temperature, however.
To test your time, open a bottle or two and see the quality of the wine. Pay attention to the cork - if the cork is bulging out even before you open, or after you pulled the cork, the cork has wine seaping through, then your wine may not be good. As for champagne, open to look for the bubble - flat champagne is no good. Obviously you have to taste the wine, but at least look at the condition before trying.
If the wines are still good, consider better storage solution - there are some beautiful wine refridgerators and cabinets available for wine storage. Good luck.