**The Complete Guide To Champagne Preservers: Keep Your Bubbly Bubbly**
Have you ever opened a bottle of bubbly, enjoyed a glass or two, and then wondered how to keep the rest fizzy for later? A Champagne preserver is the perfect way to keep your sparkling wines fresh longer. With so many bottle stoppers and preservation systems on the market, choosing the best one can be tough.
Thereโs nothing quite like that first celebratory sip of Champagne. But as the night goes on and the conversation flows, that open bottle of wine starts to lose its sparkle.
This is a common dilemma. Weโve all been there, trying to keep those delightful bubbles from going flat before we’ve had our fill. Read through our **The complete guide to Champagne Preservers: Keep your Bubbly Bubbly** and find out if you need one. Letโs dive in.
Why Use a Champagne Preserver?
Flat Champagne is a sad sight. Those bubbles are more than just aesthetically pleasing. Theyโre a big part of the taste experience. When carbon dioxide escapes, it steals those complex aromas and refreshing flavors that make Champagne delightful.
This is where a good Champagne preserver comes in. These handy tools help preserve the quality of your Champagne by creating a tight seal on the top of the bottle, which prevents those precious carbon dioxide bubbles from escaping.
Using a Champagne preserver means you can savor those delightful bubbles for longer. You don’t need to waste a drop of wine or feel obligated to polish off the Champagne bottle in one go.
Different Types of Champagne Preservers
While the end goal is the sameโpreserving bubblyโChampagne preservers accomplish it in different ways. Choosing the best Champagne preserver for you is according to your personal preferences, how often you drink Champagne, and your budget.
Stoppers
Champagne stoppers are generally the most affordable and widely available type of preserver. They often have a rubber or silicone seal that wedges into the bottleโs neck. They use a lever or cap
Definition: In winemaking, "cap" refers ... that creates pressure, further sealing the bottle.
When shopping for stoppers, look for ones that create an airtight seal to keep your open bottle fresh. Wine Folly offers a highly-rated Champagne stopper with a patented design that keeps Champagne fresh for up to three days.
Pumps
Taking a slightly different approach, pump-style Champagne preservers remove air from the bottle. They come with a special stopper, and the pump action creates a vacuum seal.
Pump-style Champagne preservers can be more expensive than stoppers. However, many wine lovers believe they do a better job preserving the flavor of the opened Champagne. This is because removing the air from the bottle can slow down the oxidation
What is the best way to aerate red wine ... process which contributes to flavor loss.
Sparkling Wine Preservation Systems
Going beyond the basic stopper, larger preservation systems offer professional-grade solutions, typically used in restaurants or bars. However, dedicated connoisseurs may choose to invest in one for home use.
These systems often involve replacing the cork with a special stopper that connects to a pressurized gas. They allow you to keep opened bottles of sparkling wine and white wine fresh for extended periods, sometimes up to a week or more.
While significantly pricier, they’re worth considering if you’re serious about preserving the integrity of your favorite sparkling wines. Bermar America specializes in various types of preservation systems for both home and professional use.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Champagne Preserver
Not all Champagne preservers are created equal. To choose the best one for your needs, consider these factors:
- **Type**: Think about how often you will use it and how long you want the bubbles to last. Simple stoppers might work for occasional use. Consider a pump or preservation system if you often have leftover Champagne.
- **Material**: Opt for food-grade silicone or stainless steel to avoid imparting unwanted flavors to your bubbly. Avoid materials that could crack, break, or degrade easily.
- **Design**: The effectiveness of a stopper lies in its seal. Look for features that guarantee an airtight seal. Choose a stopper that’s easy to use and won’t easily pop off.
- **Durability**: You want your Champagne preserver to last. Consider a sturdy stainless steel option for longevity or a high-quality, durable plastic.
How To Use a Champagne Preserver
Most Champagne preservers are quite straightforward to use, but following the instructions carefully is always wise:
- **Remove the Original Cork:** Take the original cork out carefully. Be cautious as sparkling wines are bottled under pressure.
- **Place the Stopper:** Securely position the Champagne preserver over the bottle opening. Apply firm and even pressure when inserting it to ensure a tight seal.
- **Pump or Secure:** If you use a pump system, attach the pump to the stopper and remove the desired amount of air according to its instructions. For lever-style stoppers, lock it into place by pressing or twisting as needed.
- **Store Properly:** Once secured, store your bubbly upright in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator to further slow down the loss of fizz.
Champagne Preservers: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any wine stopper for Champagne?
Although you might be tempted to use any old wine stopper, itโs best to use one designed explicitly for Champagne. They create a tighter seal, which is needed to maintain carbonation. Standard wine stoppers are designed for still wine, which does not have the same carbonation levels and the bottles have a different neck shape.
How long does Champagne stay good with a preserver?
While it can vary, generally, a good quality Champagne preserver can maintain fizz for a few days, especially if the bottle is properly stored. Be realistic in your expectationsโno Champagne preserver will keep bubbles bubbly forever.
Conclusion
With the right Champagne preserver and a little care, you preserve your opened bubbly beverages for longer. Whether you choose a budget-friendly stopper or invest in a high-end preservation system, there’s an ideal Champagne preserver to ensure that the celebratory spirit stays alive, one bubbly sip at a time.
