There’s nothing more satisfying than popping open a bottle of sparkling wine for a special occasion — or just because. Whether it’s Champagne (from France’s Champagne region), cava (from Spain), prosecco (from Italy), or another variety, many would agree that sparkling wine is one of the most delicious ways to celebrate.
Indeed, sparkling wines have long been synonymous with celebration. In their early days, these wines were accessible only to the upper classes, and they still carry an air of sophistication today. Fortunately, contemporary production methods have made sparkling wine more affordable and widely available. Thanks to marketing efforts over the years, many people now buy sparkling wine to mark a special occasion (or even christen a boat).
There’s an old joke that there’s no need to worry about storing sparkling wine because it’s always consumed in one sitting. And while it’s certainly tempting to polish off the bottle, that isn’t always feasible. If you don’t have a Champagne stopper on hand, how can you keep the fizz from falling flat?
That’s a Wrap
There’s a little-known solution for this problem, and it involves two items you probably already have in your kitchen drawer: plastic wrap and a rubber band. Here’s what to do: Cut a piece of plastic wrap, place it over the bottle’s opening, pull it taut, and secure it tightly with a rubber band. It may sound simple, but it works surprisingly well to keep the carbonation trapped inside.
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Tips and Tricks
For the best results, use a large sheet of plastic wrap folded into three or four layers. Once you place it over the opening, use a spoon to push the plastic wrap down into the neck of the bottle, then secure it tightly with a rubber band. This creates an airtight seal and reduces the amount of empty space inside the bottle, which slows the loss of carbonation.
Whether you use this method or a traditional Champagne stopper, aim to consume the sparkling wine within two to three days. Once the bottle is uncorked, there’s no way to completely stop the gradual loss of carbonation, so enjoy those bubbles as soon as you’re able.
