Scientists have uncovered a surprising secret to keeping champagne bubbly for an impressive 132 years. According to a study conducted by researchers from the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, the key is in the bottle size. While a standard 750ml bottle is said to have a shelf life of approximately 40 years, larger 3-liter bottles, known as jeroboams, can keep the bubbly fresh for over a century.
Champagne gets its fizziness from carbon dioxide (CO2) generated during a second fermentation process inside the bottle. By combining yeasts, sugar, and wine, Champagne producers trigger the production of CO2 and additional alcohol. While the yeasts die off after a few months, the flavors and aromas continue to develop and become more complex with time. This is why older bottles tend to be more expensive.
However, over time, Champagne loses CO2 as the gas slowly escapes through the cork and metal cap. In their study, the team, led by Gerard Liger-Belair, examined the CO2 levels in 13 different Champagne vintages that had been aged for multiple decades and sealed with metal caps.
The researchers discovered that the amount of CO2 in the bottles decreased over time, with the oldest vintage, dating back to 1974, losing 80% of its carbonation. However, the bottle size was found to significantly impact the remaining CO2 levels. Based on their analysis, the team developed a formula to calculate a bottle’s average shelf life. They found that a standard 750ml bottle can still produce bubbles for about 40 years, while a 1.5-liter bottle stays bubbly for 82 years. For the best results, opt for a 3-liter jeroboam, which can keep Champagne bubbly for an average of 132 years.
The researchers explained in their study, published in ACS Omega, that increasing the bottle size greatly enhances its ability to preserve dissolved CO2 and maintain the bubbling capacity of Champagne during tasting.
In other beverage news, Japanese firm Nendo has unveiled a beer can design that could solve the problem of foamy heads. The can features two pull tabs, which, according to Nendo, allows for the perfect ratio of beer to foam. This innovative design aims to ensure a pint with the ideal head. Cheers to progress in the world of libations!
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