How to tell if Champagne has gone bad

A common question I get as a Champagne and sparkling wine journalist is from consumers who want to know if Champagne can go bad and what are the signs of a Champagne that has gone bad.

So, can Champagne go off / go bad?

Yes, it can is the answer. Any wine that is stored in a bottle, despite us thinking they can age for years and improve as time goes by, will have a shelf life. On most occasions, you will be able to exchange a bad bottle if you are less than completely satisfied with the wine inside from the wine served at your dinner table at a restaurant / hotel to the wine you purchase from your local supermarket.

There will though also be times when it will be slightly harder to suggest and exchange your bottle of wine if you think it has gone bad. Sometimes we keep wines at home for years or maybe we have purchased an older bottle where defects can be expected (figures show that between 3 – 8% or wines bottled and corked may suffer from defects / being corked). Has the wine gone bad due to age or how we have stored the wine such as keeping it too warm, not at a constant temperature or in direct sunlight?

Things to remember about Champagne:

• A very small percentage of bottles will have a defect / be corked. Do not be afraid to highlight this to whom you purchased from.
• All wines, Champagne included, will have its peak drinking period when it is suggested you should open and enjoy the contents. It is likely that holding on to bottles, even vintages will see some kind of deterioration.
• Older Champagne bottles, especially vintages, may keep well beyond the recommended suggested drinking period. Though they may lose bubbles thus be slightly more flat than normal, the wine can develop unique characters and display wonderful aromas and flavours.
• You are best keeping Champagne within a dark area, with a constant temperature ideally around 8 degrees and avoid movement / vibration to the bottles.
• Keeping your Champagne in the home fridge is fine for a few days though it is suggested that if stored for a longer period you could lose quality in flavour / aromas. Wine coolers can be a better option.

Is a bad Champagne cloudy or smelling / tastings of mushrooms?

Another common quote and to a point correct. If it is a newer Champagne and these things are evident then it is likely that you have a bad bottle. Though if you are tasting aged Champagne then depending on the vintage you may very well notice a touch of sediment at the bottom of the bottle (if stored and handled correctly) and you may very well experience a touch of mushroom in aromas and flavours.

Is bad Champagne cloudy?

Many people will not note the characteristics of a corked wine as it is very marginal aromas and flavours that are expressed – even wine professionals will debate if a wine is A1 or not and I have been asked to give a second opinion on many bottles judged to be bad. Trust your instinct, if it does not taste nice and you are fairly familiar with the taste of Champagne then it is likely to be a bad bottle.

Want a second opinion? The best way to check any reservations that you may have with your Champagne is to research the wine online and no doubt countless others will have tasted the exact same label you have and you can compare your tasting notes…