A festive and sumptuous drink, champagne is one of the treasures of French know-how. Temperature, light, cork… Instructions for proper storage.
A symbol of joy and pleasure, champagne is a must for festive tables. Inevitably, this delicate elixir must be preserved as it should be. To learn more about the topic, we interviewed wine enthusiast, wine merchant Marion Pradier of Cave St-Clair in Boulogne-Billancourt (1).
Champagne for every occasion
Champagne is definitely a special occasion drink. Marion Pradier even chooses his champagne according to the occasion. “There must be an intention behind consumption. For example, we will spend a happy moment with violent, festive champagnes. For a romantic dinner, we prefer a more expensive Champagne with a finer, finer bubble, such as a 100% Pinot Meunier. There are champagnes for every moment.” That’s why the expert advises to buy your sparkling wine just before consumption; “It’s quite possible to store it in the cupboard, but not for more than a month or two at the risk of damage.” Perfect for most of us who don’t have a wine cellar.
There are champagnes for every occasion
Marion Pradier
Rules for storing your champagne
A delicate and delicate drink, to ensure that you do not erase all the complexity and quality of champagne, you need to follow certain rules. “It is ideal to keep it lying down, at a temperature of 10 to 15°C, in an environment with a high and constant humidity level,” explains the specialist. In addition, the enthusiast explains that it is necessary to protect it from all light, heat and vibration; “Champagne ages when it’s in motion. The bubble is very fragile and gums up very easily. So we have to protect it.”
The bubble is very fragile and can be erased very easily
Marion Pradier
Breaking the myths
Marion Pradier is clear that putting a silver spoon around the neck of a champagne bottle is a myth. “It does not preserve the wine in any way. You have to have a proper stopper.” Many varieties of sparkling wine corks are commercially available at affordable prices. “We keep it for a maximum of two or three days. Moreover, nothing is lost. Champagne also makes great sauces in the kitchen.”
Any use of alcohol is a health hazard.
(1) Cave Saint-Clair, 247, boulevard Jean Jaurès, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt. Phone: 01.47.61.05.12.
Source: Le Figaro
