Should Champagne Be Chilled? How To Store & Serve It

Champagne goes hand in hand with celebration, whether it be when the clock strikes midnight on NYE, on a birthday, or to toast a special event.  

However, serving it at the wrong temperature can flatten the bubbles, dull the flavours, and ruin the moment.

If you want every bottle to taste its best, you need to know how Champagne should be chilled, stored, and served.

We’ve got you covered – read on for our full guide to cooling Champagne. 

 

What Temperature Should Champagne Be Stored?

If you’re storing Champagne, you should keep it at a consistent, cool temperature. 

The ideal storage temperature for Champagne is: 10–12°C (50–54°F)

This temperature protects the delicate flavours, maintains the integrity of the cork, and slows down premature ageing.

Champagne is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Regular changes (like those in a kitchen fridge) can cause the cork to expand and contract, letting air in and carbonation out.

Here’s how you should store your bubbly for optimal preservation:

• In dark conditions (UV damages flavour quickly)
• In a vibration-free environment
• In cool and consistent temperatures
• Bottle stored horizontally (for long-term storage)

 

What Temperature Should Champagne Be Served?

First of all, serving temperature is not the same as storage temperature. 

The ideal serving temperature for Champagne is: 6–10°C (43–50°F)

This is slightly lower than the optimal storage temperature of 10–12°C. This is because Champagne tastes its best when served cooler, whereas long-term storage requires a slightly warmer, more stable environment to protect the cork and preserve the wine’s ageing potential.

The optimal serving temperature for Champagne can vary depending on the type. Here are a few examples: 

• Non-vintage Champagne: 6–8°C
• Vintage Champagne: 8–10°C
• Prestige cuvée: 10–12°C

 

How to Chill Champagne

Here are the most effective methods, including quick-chill options for last-minute celebrations:

 

1 - Ice Bucket + Water + Salt (Fastest Method)

This method can chill your Champagne in just 15 minutes – it’s the perfect way to prepare your wine for serving at a social gathering or event. 

Simply follow these steps to get chilled bubbly: 

1. Fill an ice bucket 50/50 with ice and cold water
2. Add a handful of salt (Salt lowers the water’s freezing point)
3. Submerge the bottle completely
4. Rotate gently every few minutes

Then, pop open the cork and enjoy your chilled Champagne!

 

2 - Wine or Champagne Fridge (Best for Quality)

A wine or Champagne fridge is the best choice if you’re serious about the quality of your wines. A designated fridge can keep your bottle stored at the perfect temperature so you can serve it instantly.

It gives you:

• Precise temperature control
• Vibration-free environment
• UV protection
• Horizontal bottle storage

Designated Champagne fridges are perfect for long-term conditions, ensuring your bubble lasts for as long as possible in optimal conditions.

 

3 - Standard Fridge (Short-Term Only) 

If you’re looking for a convenient storage option, you could place your bottle in the fridge for a few hours. However, never store Champagne here long-term as it can affect the quality. We also recommend that you avoid storing it in the door shelves (although it may seem convenient). This is because the door shelves experience too much temperature fluctuation. 

Simply place your bottle (or bottles) in the fridge 3–4 hours before serving, and you’re good to go!

Note – Avoid placing your Champagne bottle in the freezer. This can not only dull the flavour and affect the fizziness, but it can also risk exploding the bottle. If you absolutely must use a freezer, do not leave it in for more than 15 minutes. 

 

How Should Champagne Be Stored Long-Term?

If you’re keeping Champagne for weeks, months, or years:

Some people store their bottles in a wine fridge or Champagne fridge, but if the conditions are right, a wine rack in a dark room or basement should suffice!

 

How Long Do Opened Bottles of Champagne Last?

Opened Champagne won’t last long if it’s not sealed properly. With a bottle stopper, it can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Without a stopper, however, it will only last one day at most before it loses its fizz. 

A bottle stopper or bottle cap prevents CO₂ from escaping and slows down oxidation, keeping your Champagne fresher for longer. You must seal your opened Champagne even if you store it in a designated fridge. Learn more about storing open drinks in a fridge here.

 

Does Champagne Go Off?

Yes, like most foods and drinks, Champagne can go off. Some signs your Champagne has gone bad include: 

• Flat (with no fizz)
• Sour or vinegar-like smell
• Darkening in colour
• Off or dull taste

If you drink spoiled Champagne, it’s not the end of the world – it won’t necessarily make you ill. However, the flavour will be noticeably unpleasant.

 

Upgrade to a Dedicated Champagne Fridge

Ensure your Champagne tastes its absolute best with a Champagne fridge. If you want perfect serving temperature all year round, a Champagne fridge gives you:

• Consistent cooling
• UV protection
• Zero vibration
• Capacity for multiple bottles
• Premium display for entertaining

Check out our collection of top-rated Champagne Fridges here at Elite Wine Refrigeration, from leading brands such as Dunavox, mQuvée, Eurocave and more.