Ageing Champagne: When to Drink and When to Wait

While most non-vintage Champagne is ready to drink on release, vintage and prestige cuvees reward patience. Five to ten years of extra ageing develops toasty, nutty and honey-like complexity. Store bottles on their side at a constant 10 to 12 degrees. Avoid light and vibration. The reward is a Champagne of remarkable depth and nuance.