How to Chill Champagne

Champagne, synonymous with celebrations and special occasions, is ideally served at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. And properly chilling it to that temperature will ensure that the bubbly’s delicate flavor is preserved. But before we get to how to chill, remember that champagne should be stored at room temperature and chilled only in the hours before opening. Storing champagne for an extended length of time in the refrigerator or in a place where temperatures can fluctuate (i.e. in a wine rack placed near a stove or dishwasher) will turn the flavor of the bubbly into something resembling sweaty feet. And really, who wants to drink that? For the steps to proper chilling, read on!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• champagne
• ice bucket
• refrigerator

1. Champagne can be chilled in an ice bucket or in the refrigerator, but never in the freezer.

2. If you choose to chill in the refrigerator, simply place the bottle in the fridge either upright or on its side. It can take up to 3 hours for the champagne to be properly chilled; the bottle should stay in the fridge for no more 6 hours to 8 hours.

3. To rapidly chill champagne (an impromptu celebration, perhaps?), place the bottle in an ice bucket filled with equal parts crushed ice and cold water. Using this quick chill method it will still take 25 to 45 minutes for the champagne to reach its ideal serving temperature.

Tips & Warnings

• Always store champagne on its side and in a cool dry place.
• Once opened, champagne should ideally be consumed within a few hours.
• If you've chilled a bottle of champagne and did not open the bottle, return the bottle to its previous storage location within 8 hours.

[buckjones1]

on 10/13/2009 Tip to save this Champagne:
Pour equal parts of Guinness stout and Champagne into Champagne glass: a Black Velvet

[Erika]

on 6/20/2007 In your fridge for a a couple of months? I hope it wasn't an expensive bottle, because the flavor on that one has already turned bad. And unfortunately, once the flavor has turned, there is no way to get it back.

[Lung]

on 6/14/2007 What happens if you chill a bottle for more than 8 hours? I've had one in my fridge for a couple months now.