Champagne

[Muck E]

If unopened does champagne go off?

[rampart]

Not usually. Not if it just sits on the counter, I should think.

[Ouisch]

YES!  I speak from experience.  Bought a bottle of bubbly from a small, mom-and-pop store.  The dust on the bottle should've been a red flag, but we purchased it nonetheless.  Got home, popped the cork, and Eeeeeewww!!!!!    Drinking straight vinegar would've been more pleasant.

[stevie_c2it]

Non vintage champagne should be drunk within two years, as the flavour deteriorates (although it�s not always easy to determine the year of production).

Vintage can be stored (cool and dark) for much longer periods. Some of the older French champagne houses have bottles dating back to the 1800�s, however these are only opened on very special occasions (visits from royal dignitaries etc) as they are quite literally irreplaceable and priceless.

But why keep it corked? Champagne is a celebration drink, find an excuse and open it (I know I do, regularly!). That�s what it�s for.

[bling-bling]

may be pointing out the obvious here but you should keep it lay down otherwise the cork will dry out and your bubbles will escape and it will go off