Champagne's Cellar Resiliance

[dillybravo]

Aloha,

I recently bought a bottle of Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill, the 1990 vintage. I intend to keep it for another 10 years or so.

The issue: I have no cellar. I have drawer in the kitchen, which is sort of cool, maybe 18 degrees? Possibly 16, except for the summer. Then it'll fluctuate up to possibly 23 - 25 degrees days, and maybe down a few at night.

So.. Is champagne fairly durable, or should I consider placing this lone bottle in some sort of rented cellar space? Or just drink it sooner? I also move a fair bit, every year or two, during which time all of my wine is exposed to some vibration and temperature fluctuation.. Nothing too major, but I certainly don't take many precautions other than keeping it with me on the front seat of my car. : )

Any suggestions appreciated.

[GordonCooks]

Aloha,

I recently bought a bottle of Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill, the 1990 vintage. I intend to keep it for another 10 years or so.

The issue: I have no cellar. I have drawer in the kitchen, which is sort of cool, maybe 18 degrees? Possibly 16, except for the summer. Then it'll fluctuate up to possibly 23 - 25 degrees days, and maybe down a few at night.

So.. Is champagne fairly durable, or should I consider placing this lone bottle in some sort of rented cellar space? Or just drink it sooner? I also move a fair bit, every year or two, during which time all of my wine is exposed to some vibration and temperature fluctuation.. Nothing too major, but I certainly don't take many precautions other than keeping it with me on the front seat of my car. : )

Any suggestions appreciated.

Why bother? Just buy the 90 Pol Roger in 10 years and drink it. Many people think of a cellar as a lavish expense but in reality, you'll save money by buying wines you wish to drink in 10-15 years, now. Why risk it ?

[MatthewB]

Drink it ASAP.

[klinger75]

Take the lightbulb out of your fridge and store it there. Should hold up for a good amount of time.

[MatthewB]

Take the lightbulb out of your fridge and store it there. Should hold up for a good amount of time.

I've been told that fridges are bad for long-term storage due to vibration.

Comments?

[klinger75]

Got me there Matthew. Didn't even think of that

[Lancelot]

Cellar temperature is probably the most important aspect for storage. If I were to wieght the relative importance for various factors of storage it would be thus. 90% temperature 7% light 3% vibration. Given the choice between storing a wine at the correct temperature but vibrating slightly versus no vibration and too warm I know what I would pick. Grandmothers basements or friends in Alaska are also good options.

PS The 90 Pol Roger is excellent, I tried a bottle last summer that was clean, fresh,beautifull mousse and a tart citrus finish. Not as biscuity as Veuve Clicquot or Bollinger Champagne

Edited August 2, 2003 by Lancelot (log)