As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can say with confidence that drinking out of date Prosecco is not recommended. Prosecco, like many other wines, is meant to be consumed when it is young and fresh. The reason for this is that Prosecco is a sparkling wine that relies on its fizz, flavor, and aroma to provide a delightful drinking experience.
When Prosecco ages, it undergoes chemical changes that can lead to the loss of its effervescence. The carbon dioxide that creates the bubbles in Prosecco gradually dissipates over time, resulting in a flat and lackluster drink. So, if you were to open a bottle of Prosecco that has passed its prime, you may find that it lacks the characteristic liveliness and sparkle that makes it so enjoyable.
Additionally, the flavor profile of Prosecco can change as it ages. The fresh and fruity notes that are typical of young Prosecco may fade away, leaving behind a more subdued and less vibrant taste. The aromas, too, can diminish over time, robbing the wine of its aromatic complexity.
Now, I understand that there may be instances where you come across a bottle of Prosecco that is past its recommended drinking date. Perhaps it was hidden at the back of your cellar or you received it as a gift and forgot about it. In such cases, you might be tempted to give it a try anyway. While it won't make you sick to drink out of date Prosecco, you may not enjoy the experience as much as you would with a fresh bottle.
If you do decide to open an out of date bottle of Prosecco, it's important to manage your expectations. The wine may lack the effervescence and freshness that you would normally expect, but it could still be drinkable. It may have developed more mature flavors and aromas that some people enjoy, particularly those who appreciate aged wines. However, it's important to note that this is not how Prosecco is intended to be enjoyed.
To ensure you fully savor the freshness and vibrancy of Prosecco, it is best to drink it within a year of bottling. This way, you can experience the lively bubbles, fruity flavors, and enticing aromas that make Prosecco so delightful. So, if you find yourself with a bottle of Prosecco that is past its prime, it may be best to save it for cooking or use it in cocktails where the loss of freshness is less noticeable.
While you can technically drink out of date Prosecco, it is not recommended if you want to fully appreciate the wine's characteristics. Prosecco is best enjoyed when it is young and fresh, with its vibrant fizz, fruity flavors, and enticing aromas. So, if you have a bottle of Prosecco that has been sitting around for too long, it may be wise to save it for other purposes and seek out a fresh bottle to truly savor the essence of this delightful sparkling wine.