Can champagne age ?

Yes, champagne can age, but its aging potential and final result depend on several factors, including the type of champagne, the production method, and storage conditions. Here is a detailed explanation of how champagne ages, which types age well, and what to expect from aging champagne.

Types of Champagne and Their Aging Potential

Non-Vintage Champagne

Non-vintage champagnes are made from a blend of wines from different years, ensuring a consistent style and quality year after year. These champagnes are generally ready to drink as soon as they are released and are not intended for long-term aging. However, they can still evolve favorably for a few years after purchase.

Vintage Champagne

Vintage champagnes, produced from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year, have a much greater aging potential. These champagnes are often more complex and can age for 10 to 20 years or more, developing deeper and more nuanced aromas and flavors over time.

Prestige Champagne

Prestige cuvées or grand cuvées, often produced by major champagne houses, use the finest grapes and receive special care during production. These champagnes are designed for extended aging and can improve over decades.

Champagne Delaunois Chanez offers exceptional cuvées with excellent aging potential, revealing even more complex aromas over time. You can also order these champagnes directly online from our website!

The Champagne Aging Process

Evolution of Aromas and Flavors

Over time, champagne ages, and its aromas and flavors evolve. The fresh fruity and floral notes of youth give way to more complex and mature aromas such as brioche, hazelnut, honey, and truffle. The texture becomes creamier, and the bubbles may become finer and less pronounced.

Factors Influencing Aging

• Acidity: The high acidity of champagne supports its aging potential, preserving freshness and balance even after many years.

• Dosage: The residual sugar added during dosage can influence aging. A brut nature champagne (no added sugar) will age differently from a demi-sec champagne (sweeter).

• Grape Varieties: The grape varieties used also affect aging. Chardonnay provides exceptional aging potential, while Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier add structure and fruitiness.

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Temperature For optimal aging, champagne should be stored in a cool and stable place, ideally at a temperature of 10 to 12°C. Temperature fluctuations can negatively impact the wine’s quality.

• Light Champagne must be protected from light, especially direct sunlight, which can alter its characteristics. This is why champagne bottles are often green, to filter UV rays.

• Humidity A relative humidity of 70 to 80% is ideal to prevent corks from drying out, which could allow air to enter the bottle and oxidize the wine.

• Position Champagne bottles should be stored horizontally so that the cork remains in contact with the wine, preventing it from drying out and losing its seal.

When to Drink Aged Champagne?

The optimal time to drink aged champagne depends on your personal preferences. Some enthusiasts enjoy young and vibrant champagnes, while others prefer the complex aromas and smooth textures of older champagnes.

Vintage or prestige champagnes, such as those offered by Champagne Delaunois Chanez, can be opened for special occasions after 10, 20 years, or more, offering a unique tasting experience. You can explore our selection and order online directly from our website.

Champagne can indeed age and improve over time, especially vintage champagnes and prestige cuvées. Storage conditions play a crucial role in aging, with particular attention to temperature, humidity, and light protection. As it ages, champagne develops more complex and sophisticated aromas and flavors, providing an enriching tasting experience for wine lovers.

If you want to discover exceptional champagnes and enjoy direct home delivery, visit our cuvée page.