Overview
Prosecco stays crisp and bubbly only when stored correctly. Keep unopened bottles cool, dark, upright, and free from vibration. Once opened, seal with a sparkling wine stopper, refrigerate, store upright, and drink within 1–2 days. Proper storage preserves flavor, aroma, and its signature effervescence for every celebration.
Prosecco is a sparkling Italian wine loved for its fresh, fruity taste and lively bubbles — but that effervescence fades quickly when stored incorrectly.
Understanding how to store Prosecco properly ensures every bottle stays crisp, refreshing, and ready to enjoy. This guide explains the essential storage practices to preserve its flavor, aroma, and signature sparkle.
Storing Unopened Prosecco
A cool, steady storage spot keeps unopened Prosecco fresh and bubbly, ensuring every celebration starts with a perfect pour.
Temperature
Prosecco thrives in cool, consistent temperatures, ideally between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C). Storing it somewhere too warm causes it to age faster or lose carbonation, while extremely cold conditions can mute its flavors. A stable, cool location, such as a wine fridge or pantry away from heat sources, helps maintain fresh taste and lively bubbles.
Light
Sunlight and fluorescent light can harm Prosecco, causing it to fade or develop off-flavors. Store your bottles in a dark cupboard, wine cellar, or even wrap them in a cloth if light exposure is unavoidable. Keeping it in the dark preserves both its sparkling clarity and delicate aromas.
Position
Unlike some wines, Prosecco is best stored upright. Lying it on its side is not necessary because the cork remains sufficiently moist in an upright bottle. This position also minimizes the surface area exposed to air, helping to preserve carbonation until you are ready to celebrate.
Vibrations
Prosecco is sensitive to constant movement or vibrations, which can disturb its delicate bubbles and accelerate aging. Avoid placing bottles near washing machines, speakers, or heavily trafficked shelves. A calm, stable spot ensures the fizz stays lively and the flavors stay perfectly balanced.
Storing Opened Prosecco
Once opened, preserving Prosecco’s carbonation is essential. Proper storage keeps each sip crisp and refreshing, allowing you to enjoy the bubbly at its best even if the bottle isn’t finished in one sitting.
Seal Immediately
After pouring, don’t just pop the cork back in; use a sparkling wine stopper designed to lock in the bubbles. If you leave the bottle open or use the original cork loosely, the carbonation escapes quickly, leaving your Prosecco flat and lifeless. A proper stopper keeps the pressure inside the bottle, preserving the lively fizz and the delicate aromas.
Refrigerate
Always store opened Prosecco in the fridge. Cold temperatures slow down the loss of carbonation, preventing the wine from oxidizing and preserving its flavor and aroma. Even a few hours at room temperature can make a noticeable difference, so chilling it immediately after opening ensures that every glass tastes as vibrant as when you first poured it.
Store Upright
Keep the bottle standing upright rather than lying it on its side. Unlike still wine, Prosecco’s bubbles are sensitive to movement and pressure loss. Storing upright minimizes the surface area exposed to air, helping retain the sparkle longer. Popping the cork back in and leaving it on its side can accelerate fizz loss and slightly flatten the flavors, so standing bottles are your best bet.
Consume Quickly
Prosecco is meant to be enjoyed fresh, so plan to finish an opened bottle within one to two days. If you just want a glass, pour carefully, reseal, and enjoy the rest soon after. Over time, even with the best stopper and fridge storage, the delicate bubbles and fruity aromas will fade, so sipping sooner rather than later ensures the full, refreshing experience every time.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Selecting the perfect spot for your Prosecco helps preserve its flavor and bubbles, so consider temperature, light, and stability when deciding where to keep it.
- Wine Cellar – Ideal for long-term storage, a wine cellar provides consistent cool temperatures and darkness, making it perfect if you plan to age your bottles.
- Cool Pantry or Cupboard – Choose a pantry away from heat sources and sunlight for short- to medium-term storage, keeping your Prosecco safe and ready to enjoy.
- Refrigerator – Best for opened bottles or daily drinking, the fridge slows oxidation and preserves bubbles, ensuring each glass stays crisp and refreshing.
- Wine Cooler – If you have one, a wine cooler maintains a stable temperature and humidity, giving your Prosecco the perfect environment without taking up space in your main fridge.
Key Takeaway
Keeping your Prosecco fresh and sparkling is easier than you might think, and understanding how to store Prosecco properly makes all the difference. By sealing it immediately, refrigerating, storing it upright, and enjoying it promptly, you can preserve its lively bubbles, bright flavors, and festive character.
For those looking to elevate their wine experience, Ralph’s Wines & Spirits offers a curated selection of Prosecco and sparkling wines perfect for any celebration. Explore our website or reach out to us for personalized recommendations and tips to keep your bubbly at its best.
