News Why Warm Sparkling Wine Could Surprise You (in a Bad Way) by Olivier Watson February 12, 2025 3 min 4 If you've ever opened a warm bottle of bubbly, you know the risk! Discover the science behind it and how to chill your Champagne fast.The Science Behind Your Bubbly Surprise Ever had that moment at a party when you pop open a warm bottle of sparkling wine, only to find it fizzing over like a shaken soda? Warm sparkling wine is notorious for this messy explosion, and there’s actual science behind it! I learned this the hard way during a New Year’s Eve celebration. My friend and I excitedly popped open what we thought was a perfectly good bottle of Champagne only to watch half of it shoot across the room. According to Erin Lindstone, a sommelier at Denver’s Barolo Grill, as temperatures rise, carbon dioxide in the wine becomes less soluble. In simpler terms, warmer temperatures make those little bubbles more energetic and prone to escape quickly. This can lead to not just corks flying but also significant loss of your precious drink! When you’re eager to celebrate, it’s easy to overlook this detail about temperature. But trust me—after one too many messes with warm bubbly, I always keep my bottles chilled. Keeping Your Sparkling Wine Safe So what happens when your sparkling wine is stored at too high of a temperature? Lindstone warns that any storage above 70 degrees can negatively affect its quality. During my amateur wine-collecting days, I learned that extreme heat doesn’t just ruin taste; it can lead to oxidation as well. A cork that begins to push out means your beautiful Chardonnay could be heading for disaster!Volevo sequestrarti al mondo intero, ai dischi tristi, ai diversivi, ai locali , dal vino e dalla felicità. Volevo sequestrati anche a Dio, perché tu fossi solamente mia. Imagine saving up for a nice bottle only for it to lose its charm because you left it in a hot car for an afternoon. As the pressure inside builds up due to high temperatures, not only is there potential for mess when opening it, but you’re risking ruining the flavor profile entirely. What About Temperature Fluctuations? Temperature fluctuations are equally dangerous. If you’ve ever had your heart sink while seeing that cork pushed out after getting home from the store on a hot day, you know what I’m talking about! Storing your bottles steadily without drastic changes helps maintain quality and taste. Ideal Serving Temperature: Chill Out! To enjoy sparkling wine at its finest—and keep yourself dry—aim for around 50 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. This helps keep carbon dioxide more soluble and reduces pressure inside the bottle. One time I went all-out with an ice bath before hosting friends; let me tell you—nothing feels better than popping open perfectly chilled bubbly without any sticky surprises! 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If you’re in doubt about whether your bottle is cool enough, just give it more time or employ one of those hacks instead. There’s nothing worse than losing bubbles too quickly or worse—a potential injury from exploding corks.2017 Vintage FAQs About Sparkling Wine Storage and Serving How long should I chill sparkling wine? It’s best chilled for at least three hours prior to serving if stored in the fridge. What temperature is too warm for champagne? Anything over 70 degrees can negatively impact flavor and quality. Can I leave sparkling wine in the freezer? Only briefly! Leaving it too long risks freezing, which damages taste. In conclusion, embracing proper storage techniques not only enhances enjoyment but also prevents messy accidents that could otherwise spoil any gathering. Raise a glass—but make sure it’s at the right temperature! Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash sparkling winetemperature Olivier Watson Olivier Watson is a food and travel enthusiast, especially when it comes to rosé wine. Growing up in an ebullient atmosphere of fine culinary delights, he has traveled throughout most of the famous wine regions of the world-from quaint vineyards in Provence down to the sun-kissed hills of Napa Valley. For Olivier, the love of rosé is not only about the wine but also the memories over a glass with friends and family. previous post Why Austrian Wine is Captivating a New Generation next post Why Malbec is the Hidden Gem of 2025’s Wine Scene Sustainable Wine: My Journey from Property to Purpose February 24, 2025 Fair Match: My Surprising Take on Wine Networking February 24, 2025 San Lorenzo’s Gastronomic Shift: Is Authenticity Fading? February 24, 2025 Where to Find Healthy Yet Delicious Eats in... 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