I have a bottle of champagne that was given to be many years ago… it has always sat in it’s box on it’s side, and I think I stored it a room tempature when I first got it for around a year, then kept if refrigerated thereafter… It’s been a long time, so I’m not for sure…I got this bottle around 10 or 12 years ago!! I noticed it has floaties in it when you hold it up to the light…
I am just wondering if it’s safe to drink, or if I do drink it, will I be able to tell if it’s bad… I have little experience with wine and champagne, but hate to throw away a bottle of this price…
Thanks,
Stephen
Lots of floaties? What color?
I just looked at it (it’s a 1989 bottle of Grande Dame, not 1988)…actually, there aren’t too many, maybe 9 or 10–BUT I just noticed something unusual–they are long and threadlike (or wormlike) in shape, not small at all… probably between 1/4 inch to 1/2 long… probably white in color… The shape is a little weird…
I hope this helps…
That’s a new one on me. I’ve seen many vintage Champagnes that throw sediment like any other wine. The description you’re giving, I haven’t seen, but may be normal formation of sediment for that particular wine. Stand the bottle up in the refrigerator for a day or two before you open it so the “floaties” or sediment sink to the bottom of the bottle. Handle the bottle gingerly and open it slowly, holding onto the cork, relieving the pressure slowly so it doesn’t bubble out of the bottle. Pour slowly to keep the sediment in the bottom of the bottle. Aromatics and bubbles on pouring should give a pretty good idea how the Champagne is. If not, the first sip will.