Does Sparkling Wine Go Off? The Complete Guide

Sparkling wine is the ultimate treat, and a fine bottle can last for years. But does sparkling wine go off? The answer to this depends on many factors, including the wine’s type, manufacturing method, and storage conditions.

If you have just discovered you have a bottle of sparkling wine you didn’t know you had, or if you’re just curious about the longevity of sparkling wine, this guide is for you. You’ll learn how to tell if your sparkling wine has gone bad and what to do with a bottle once you’ve opened it.

Does Sparkling Wine Go Off?

Eventually, even sparkling wine loses its freshness. During its production, the mix of fermentation, alcohol, and acidity acts as a shield against spoilage, allowing it to remain enjoyable for much longer than many other drinks. But these natural preservatives aren’t everlasting. As the years go by, the wine’s structure gradually deteriorates, resulting in faded aromas, less bubbly fizz, and a more muted flavour profile.

How Long Can Sparkling Wine Last?

The expiry process of sparkling wine depends on several factors:

Colour: Red and white wines have different shelf lives. In the stalks of each grape, there are compounds called “tannins” which act as natural preservatives, slowing down chemical reactions that cause a wine to go off. Red wines typically last longer than white wines because of their higher tannin content.

Manufacturing method: The lifespan of sparkling wine depends mostly on its acidity, sugar content, and alcohol level. Wines with higher acidity stay fresher for longer, while a touch of sugar can help the wine age more gracefully. Lower alcohol in non-fortified sparkling wines also contributes to stability. Since most sparkling wines don’t have tannins, acidity and sugar are the main factors that determine how long they keep their flavour.  You can learn the different methods for sparkling wine production with our comprehensive guide.

Storage conditions: How your sparkling wine has been stored also affects its longevity. If your wine has a cork and was stored upright, the cork may have dried out and shrunk, allowing air to enter and spoil the wine. Properly stored wine will last longer.

What to Do With an Opened Bottle of Sparkling Wine

Once opened, sparkling wine should ideally be consumed on the day of opening, but it is best to do so within 3–4 days.

• Invest in a proper wine stopper to prevent loss of carbonation.
• Keep the bottle cold at all times, as heat speeds up carbonation loss. Room temperature isn’t recommended!

Read more: How to Recork Sparkling Wine & Keep the Fizz Fresh

How to Tell If Your Sparkling Wine Has Expired

Thankfully, there are obvious signs that wine has gone bad that will prevent you from mistakenly drinking it.

• Odour: Open your wine and take a moment to assess its aroma. A suspicious smell — unpleasant, medicinal, vinegary, like wet cardboard or burnt rubber — indicates that the wine has spoiled. Fresh sparkling wine should have a bright, fruity, and inviting scent, never harsh or stale.
• Taste: Take only a tiny sip of the wine, hold it in your mouth, then spit it out. Sour notes or a sharp, vinegary taste are clear signs that your wine has gone off. Also, look out for a horseradish-like taste or caramelised flavours as indicators of expiry.
• Colour: When a sparkling wine that used to be pale has shifted to a richer golden or amber colour, or if a rosé looks lacklustre or brownish, it points to oxidation and chemical deterioration. These signs mean the wine isn’t fresh anymore — so it’s wise to toss it rather than sip it.

How Long Does an Unopened Bottle of Sparkling Wine Last?

A well-crafted bottle of Champagne, or any quality sparkling wine made using traditional methods, can age gracefully for up to ten years, and sometimes even longer. What really matters isn’t just the wine itself, but how it’s stored. Factors such as temperature, light, and humidity are essential for maintaining the delightful sparkle and complexity of an unopened bottle.

Read more: The Complete Guide to Wine Longevity

How to Store Sparkling Wine Properly

To keep your sparkling wine in top shape, you should treat it just like you would a fine still wine. Storing it properly preserves its bubbles, flavour, and freshness for years. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

1. Temperature: A standard fridge is too cold to store unopened sparkling wine. Either a cool, dark cupboard, a wine cellar, or a speciality wine fridge is ideal. Consistency is important for proper ageing.
2. Humidity: The ideal range is 55–85%, keeping corks moist without excessive moisture that can cause mould. Screwtop bottles are less affected.
3. Position: Store bottles horizontally, ideally at a slight angle, in a still place to avoid vibration. This helps maintain cork integrity and slow maturation.
4. Light levels: Keep sparkling wine in a dark, cool, slightly humid place. UV light can damage aromas and flavours.

Read more: How Do You Store Sparkling Wine Properly?

Where to Find the Best English Sparkling Wine

Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex is one of the country’s leading producers, creating award-winning sparkling wines for nearly fifty years. Their selection features refined reds, whites, and rosés, all crafted with care. You can explore Bolney’s collection online or visit the vineyard to experience English winemaking firsthand.