Dom Pérignon is one of the most recognizable champagne brands in the world. Known for its exceptional quality and prestige, Dom Pérignon is a vintage champagne produced exclusively during the best harvest years. Many champagne aficionados have strong opinions on the proper storage and serving of Dom Pérignon bottles. One of the most debated topics is whether Dom Pérignon needs to be stored on its side or if standing upright is acceptable. In this article, we’ll examine the arguments on both sides and look at the official guidance from Moët & Chandon, the producer of Dom Pérignon.
The case for storing Dom Pérignon on its side
The traditional and most commonly recommended method for storing champagne is lying the bottle on its side. There are a few key reasons why storing bottles horizontally is preferred:
Keeping the cork moist
When a champagne bottle is stored horizontally, the wine keeps the cork moist. This prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking, which could lead to oxygen seeping in and spoiling the champagne. Champagne corks are also relatively short compared to still wine corks, making them more susceptible to drying out.
Preventing sediment disturbance
As champagne ages, chemical reactions occur that cause sediments to form and settle in the bottle. Storing the bottle on its side keeps these sediments distributed evenly across the bottom instead of settling in one place near the cork. Disturbing the sediments can negatively impact the taste and appearance of the champagne once poured.
Minimizing UV light exposure
Direct sunlight and UV rays can damage champagne and cause it to age prematurely. Keeping the bottle stored horizontally reduces potential light exposure through the punt (indented bottom) of the bottle. Any UV light would have to pass through the liquid before reaching the cork, minimizing deterioration.
Based on these factors, many champagne experts argue that side storage is the best practice for maintaining quality. Since Dom Pérignon is an expensive vintage champagne meant for aging, supporters believe it’s better to follow the traditional horizontal method.
The argument for standing Dom Pérignon upright
While horizontal storage may be the gold standard, some argue that Dom Pérignon can be safely stored upright without issue. Here are some of the main points in favor of vertical storage:
Modern production methods
Advancements in champagne production, including finer filtering and riddling processes, mean there are fewer sediments in modern champagnes like Dom Pérignon. With less sediment to disturb, the need to keep bottles on their side may be reduced.
High-quality corks
Dom Pérignon uses high-grade and well-fitting natural corks that maintain a tight seal even when dry. Their increased resilience means storing bottles upright is less likely to cause leakage issues.
UV-protective packaging
Dom Pérignon bottles come packaged in UV-blocking dark green bottles and protective boxes. This specialized packaging creates a photophobic environment that limits light exposure/damage.
Ease of storage and serving
Upright storage takes up less space in a fridge or wine cellar. It also makes retrieving and serving bottles easier since they simply need to be pulled up rather than carefully rotated to an upright position.
Proponents of vertical storage don’t believe these modern protections and conveniences come at the cost of damaging the champagne. For more casual champagne drinkers not overly concerned with tradition, standing upright may be an acceptable alternative.
Moët & Chandon’s official guidance
Since there are compelling cases on both sides of this debate, Moët & Chandon’s actual storage advice is informative:
“The Champagne bottle should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent any deterioration of the wine over time. Leaving the bottle upright can cause the cork to dry out and allow oxygen to enter the bottle. That said, short periods of upright storage of up to a few months should not cause any harm to Dom Pérignon.”
So while they firmly recommend horizontal side storage as the best practice, Moët & Chandon acknowledges that brief upright storage is likely fine. However, for optimizing long-term aging potential, they endorse keeping bottles on their side.
For such an expensive and rare champagne like Dom Pérignon, most experts caution not to risk it. Taking the small extra effort to properly store bottles horizontally pays dividends in maintaining quality and value over decades of aging. But in a pinch, Dom Pérignon seems durable enough to withstand being stored vertically for a short period without ruining the champagne. Just don’t make upright storage a habit.
Ideal storage conditions for Dom Pérignon
In addition to horizontal side storage, here are some other guidelines for optimizing how Dom Pérignon is stored:
– Temperature: Between 10-15°C (50-59°F) is ideal. Avoid large temperature fluctuations.
– Humidity: Moderate humidity around 60-70% RH is recommended. Keep away from dry environments.
– Light exposure: Block all UV and direct sunlight. Store in a dark place or cover bottles with UV-protective materials.
– Vibration: Limit vibration and jostling that can disturb sediment. Gentle handling is best.
With proper storage, Dom Pérignon can age beautifully for 20-30+ years. But poor storage conditions will accelerate decline. Follow these best practices for getting the most longevity out of your bottles.
Does vintage year impact ideal storage methods?
Dom Pérignon is vintage champagne, meaning it is made from grapes harvested in a single year. Different vintages can vary in exact flavor profile, aging potential, and sediment amounts. However, fundamental storage advice remains largely consistent across different vintage years. All vintages should be stored horizontally and protected from light, extreme temperatures, and vibration. Vintage champagnes also have greater aging potential than non-vintage, so proper storage is critical for preservation. Any vintage of Dom Pérignon will benefit from close adherence to side storage and ideal cellar conditions.
How long can Dom Pérignon be stored upright before opening?
While extended upright storage is not recommended, a typical Dom Pérignon bottle can withstand being stored vertically for 1-3 months before opening with likely no ill effects. However, aging potential may start to decline if upright storage exceeds 3 months. Sediment disturbance becomes more likely over time as well. For optimal preservation of quality, Dom Pérignon bottles stored upright for over 3 months should be gently turned horizontal 24-48 hours before opening. This allows sediment to redistribute evenly across the bottom again. With careful handling, upright storage duration has minimal impact on Dom Pérignon’s drinking quality upon opening. But horizontal storage remains critical for long-term aging.
Does Dom Pérignon need to be decanted after upright storage?
Decanting wine involves pouring it into a separate container, often a decanter, before serving. This is done to separate the liquid from any sediment that may have settled in the bottle. For a champagne like Dom Pérignon that is stored upright even briefly, decanting is usually not necessary. The extremely fine sediments in Dom Pérignon tend not to accumulate significantly after just a few months upright. However, as a precaution, the bottle can be gently tilted and slowly rotated prior to opening to disperse any potential sediments. Dom Pérignon can then be served directly from the bottle with little concern about sediment. Only champagne stored upright for many years may require decanting to avoid sediment in the glass. Otherwise, Dom Pérignon can and should be appreciated directly from its distinctive green bottle.
How to safely transition Dom Pérignon bottles to horizontal storage
When transferring Dom Pérignon bottles stored upright to proper horizontal storage, the process requires care and gradual steps:
1. Inspect bottle condition and fill levels. Look for signs of leakage or cork issues. Fill levels should reach the neck’s bottom curve.
2. Slowly tilt the bottle ~45 degrees and gently rotate back and forth. Repeat this light rolling motion periodically over 24-48 hours to let sediments redistribute.
3. Gradually tilt the bottle fully horizontal in incremental steps over several hours. Avoid shaking or jostling.
4. Secure the horizontal bottle in place using wine cellar racks, specialized slots, or wine collars. Protect against vibration.
5. Inspect the bottles again periodically when first moved to side storage. Watch for potential leakage as the cork re-expands.
Avoid turning bottles directly from vertical to horizontal in one quick motion. Take the transition slowly over hours or days. This graceful adjustment gives sediment time to settle while minimizing disturbance and leakage risk. Patience pays off for properly orienting treasured Dom Pérignon bottles.
Serving Dom Pérignon upright vs. on its side
Once a bottle of Dom Pérignon is opened, it should always be served upright. Leaving an open bottle on its side unnecessarily exposes wine to oxygen and speeds up deterioration. Upright serving also prevents spilling. For presentation purposes, Dom Pérignon bottles are best inclined at a slight angle in an ice bucket or wine cooler. This shows off the iconic bottle shape and branding. Compared to aging, the brief serving period prior to consumption demands bottles stay vertical. So while horizontal storage is ideal, Dom Pérignon ultimately deserves to take its place upright at the table.
Frequently asked questions about storing Dom Pérignon
Does Dom Pérignon always need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not strictly required, but it is highly recommended. The 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperature range maintained by refrigeration preserves quality and prevents premature aging.
Can Dom Pérignon be stored in the freezer?
No, freezing temperatures (below -4°C/25°F) can damage the cork and bottle. Refrigeration offers the right chill.
Should opened Dom Pérignon be stored upright or horizontally?
Once opened, leftover Dom Pérignon must be stored upright and consumed soon – within 1-3 days is best. Leaving opened champagne horizontal will cause it to go flat.
Is it okay to move Dom Pérignon bottles many times?
Repeated handling and excessive vibration can disturb sediments. After the initial transfer to horizontal storage, bottles are best left undisturbed.
Can I make Dom Pérignon an investment like wine?
Yes, Dom Pérignon can provide strong returns over decades. But storage must be absolutely pristine. Most champagne is consumed upon purchase.
The bottom line on storing Dom Pérignon
Dom Pérignon deserves the utmost care from storage to serving. While upright keeping won’t necessarily ruin the champagne, horizontal side storage provides the greatest assurance of quality preservation. For optimizing aging potential and maintaining value, Dom Pérignon bottles are best kept on their sides. Handle Dom Pérignon with the delicacy this luxury wine demands. Give it the darkness, stable temperatures, tranquility, and side orientation needed to age beautifully. Dom Pérignon rewards those passionate collectors willing to provide it a gracious environment to repose in. With the proper conditions, it can live a very long and prosperous life.
