Aging a bottle of 1996 Cristal Champagne can improve its flavor profile.
Aging a bottle of Champagne can increase its flavor profile, and this is especially true for a bottle of 1996 Cristal. Wine critics consider 1996 to be one of the best years for Champagne in the past 50 years. The vintage has received rave reviews from enthusiasts almost everywhere. Wine Review Online specifically states that bottles of 1996 Cristal should not be consumed for at least another 5 years, but aging a bottle of this special Champagne can be a delicate affair.
Instructions
1. Find a cool, dark storage space in your house. The ideal location is one that stays cool, even during the summer, and remains clean of debris. Check the space for airflow. A bottle of 1996 Cristal Champagne will need oxygen to age well. If there is no fresh air in your storage space, set up a small fan to circulate some air through the space.
2. Test your storage space for temperature and humidity. Aim for 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent humidity. A bottle of 1996 Cristal will age best in a cool and slightly damp environment.
3. Place a vertical wine rack in the storage space. Make sure the rack is steady and secure. Clear the area around the wine rack to help protect the bottles, especially ones like 1996 Cristal, which is quite expensive and can be difficult to acquire.
4. Place the bottle in the center of the vertical wine rack. Keeping bottles in the center will help stabilize the rack if it is disturbed.
5. Turn off the lights in and around the storage space. Light exposure over a long period of time can spoil Champagne. Check the temperature, humidity, light exposure and airflow in the storage space frequently, as fluctuations in any of these can ruin a bottle of 1996 Cristal.
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