Welcome to the enchanted world of sparkling wines and exquisite champagnes! Imagine savoring every delicate bubble of a vintage champagne that fizzes as if it has just been opened, even after decades of aging in the bottle. Well, it turns out that bottle size plays a crucial role in this buzzy adventure, and some exciting new discoveries have just been revealed thanks to ACS Omega’s research.
Larger bottles, longer shelf life
Researchers have explored the mystery of how long champagne and sparkling wines last when stored in sealed bottles. One of the most fascinating findings is that bottle size has a significant impact on how long these drinks retain their fizz. Specifically, larger bottles preserve bubbles better than their standard-sized counterparts.
The magic of carbonation
The secret to champagne’s effervescence lies in carbonation, which occurs during a second fermentation inside the bottles. This reaction between yeast, sugar and wine generates carbon dioxide (the bubbles) and additional alcohol. Although the yeasts die after a few months, complex flavors develop over years, even decades, as the bottles age undisturbed. However, over time, the drink loses carbon dioxide, which slowly escapes through the corks or sealed metal capsules. This is where bottle size comes into play.
The size of the champagne bottle and the preservation of bubbles
Researchers measured carbon dioxide levels in different bottles of champagne aged over several decades. They found that the amount of gas inside the bottles decreased as the years passed. For example, the oldest vintage of 1974 lost almost 80% of its carbonation. However, an intriguing discovery emerged: there is a direct correlation between bottle size and carbon dioxide level. In other words, larger bottles preserve bubbles considerably better than smaller ones.
Estimated shelf life
Through their observations, the researchers developed a formula to estimate the shelf life of a bottle, that is, how long a vintage champagne would retain its ability to produce bubbles when poured into a glass . The results are fascinating: a shelf life of 40 years for 750 milliliter bottles, 82 years for 1.5 liter bottles and 132 years for 3 liter bottles. After these periods, the champagne risks losing its bubbles.
An innovative solution to preserve Champagne bottles
But what if you don’t intend to store your champagne for decades and just want to extend the shelf life by a few days after opening? Here’s where Bubbl. technology comes in.
Bubbl. offers a “smart cap” which regulates the pressure and allows the bottle of champagne to be hermetically closed after opening. Additionally, a dispensing gun carries wine gas and compresses the existing carbon dioxide (bubbles) in the champagne bottle while protecting it from oxidation.
With this simple, effective and affordable method, you can extend the life of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine for a whole week after opening the bottle, preserving those precious bubbles and their fresh taste. In short, whether you are a seasoned champagne collector or simply a fan of sparkling bubbles, the size of the bottle and new technologies like Bubbl. allow you to prolong the effervescent experience and savor every drop of these divine wines for many more years to come.
Bullingly yours!