How to Use Coravin Sparkling Stoppers with Champagne: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To use Coravin Sparkling Stoppers with Champagne, first chill the bottle, then remove the foil and cage, press the stopper into the neck, and use the Coravin Sparkling charger to add CO2 after pouring. This preserves the remaining sparkling wine for up to four weeks.

Opened a bottle of Champagne but can't finish it? The Coravin Sparkling System, paired with Sparkling Stoppers, lets you enjoy a glass now and save the rest for later without losing the fizz. Unlike traditional methods that rely on recorking or vacuum pumps, this system replaces the oxygen with CO2 to keep the bubbles intact.

In this guide, you'll learn the exact steps to use Coravin Sparkling Stoppers with Champagne, plus common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want a midweek glass of bubbly, these tips will help you get the most from every bottle.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin, gather your Coravin Sparkling System, a Coravin Sparkling Stopper, and a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine. The Sparkling Stoppers are designed to fit all standard sparkling wine bottles, up to magnums, so you can use them with most Champagne bottles you'll find.

Make sure your Coravin Pure Sparkling CO2 Capsules are not empty. Each capsule preserves up to seven standard bottles, but if you've used it frequently, it's wise to have a spare on hand. You'll also need a cool, dry place to store the bottle after resealing.

• Chill the bottle thoroughly before opening—cold wine holds carbonation better.
• Have a clean, dry Sparkling Stopper ready to ensure a tight seal.

Step-by-Step: Using Coravin Sparkling Stoppers

Start with a chilled bottle of Champagne. Remove the foil and the wire cage, but keep your thumb over the cork to control any pressure. Gently twist the bottle (not the cork) to ease it out, avoiding a loud pop that can release too much gas.

Pour your first glass as you normally would. When you're ready to stop, press the Sparkling Stopper firmly into the bottle's neck. The stopper should sit snugly; if it wobbles, remove and reposition it. Then, attach the Coravin Sparkling charger to the stopper and inject CO2 according to the system's instructions, which typically involves a few short pulses.

After charging, the stopper remains in the bottle. Store the bottle upright in the refrigerator to maintain the seal. When you want another glass, simply remove the stopper, pour, and reinsert it with a fresh charge of CO2.

• Always charge the bottle after every pour to maintain pressure.
• Never use a Sparkling Stopper without the Coravin Sparkling System—it won't preserve the wine on its own.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One mistake is using the Sparkling Stopper on a bottle that's not fully chilled. Warm sparkling wine has higher internal pressure, making the stopper harder to seat and more likely to pop off. Always chill first.

Another error is forgetting to re-charge the bottle after each pour. The CO2 injection is what keeps the bubbles alive; without it, the wine will go flat within a day. Also, avoid overfilling the glass—the more wine you pour, the more air space remains, but the system compensates with CO2.

Some users try to use the Sparkling Stoppers with still wine or screw caps. They're only designed for sparkling wine bottles with a standard neck, so check compatibility before use.

• Keep the stopper clean and dry between uses to prevent mold or odors.
• Label the bottle with the date you opened it to track freshness.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Perfect Preservation

1. Chill the bottle: Refrigerate your Champagne for at least 3 hours before opening. Cold wine holds CO2 better and reduces pressure issues. Checkpoint: The bottle should feel cold to the touch.
2. Remove foil and cage safely: Untwist the wire cage but keep your hand over the cork. Tilt the bottle at 45 degrees and twist the bottle to ease out the cork gently. Checkpoint: Aim for a soft hiss, not a pop, to minimize gas loss.
3. Pour your glass: Pour the desired amount, tilting the glass to reduce foam. Avoid over-pouring to leave enough wine for later. Checkpoint: Leave at least a third of the bottle if you plan to preserve.
4. Insert the Sparkling Stopper: Press the stopper firmly into the bottle neck until it sits flush. Ensure it's straight and secure. Checkpoint: Gently tug the stopper; it should not come out easily.
5. Inject CO2 with the charger: Attach the Coravin Sparkling charger to the stopper and deliver short pulses of CO2 as per the system's instructions. This replaces oxygen and maintains pressure. Checkpoint: You should hear a brief hiss; do not overcharge.
6. Store upright in the fridge: Place the bottle upright in the refrigerator to keep the stopper sealed and minimize contact with any residual oxygen. Checkpoint: Mark the date on the bottle to track freshness.

Why the Right Accessories Matter

• Coravin Sparkling Stoppers: Pack of two additional Coravin Sparkling Stoppers allow you to preserve even more bottles with your Coravin Sparkling System, so you will never have to pick between your favorite champagnes or other sparkling wines. Sparkling Stoppers fit on all standard sparkling wine bottles, up to magnums. Only compatible with the Coravin Sparkling Sparkling Wine Preservation System. If you often have multiple open bottles, a two-pack lets you keep several Champagnes or sparkling wines fresh at once without constant swapping.
• Coravin Pure Sparkling CO2 Capsules: Coravin Pure Sparkling CO2 Capsules power your Coravin Sparkling System. These replacement Capsules are filled with pure CO2, the same gas that creates bubbles in sparkling wine, to preserve its taste and effervescence for up to 4 weeks. Each Capsule preserves up to 7 standard bottles of sparkling wine. Having spare capsules ensures you never run out mid-preservation, especially during festive seasons when you open more bottles.

With Coravin Sparkling Stoppers and a little practice, you can enjoy Champagne by the glass without worrying about waste. Follow these steps each time you open a bottle, and you'll keep the bubbles alive for up to four weeks. Cheers to smarter sipping!