Today we will show you how long open bottles of wines can last.
We also will focus on what you can do to keep an open bottle of wine fresh as long as possible.
You'll love our suggestions if you are looking for an excellent wine experience.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Red Wine
An open red wine bottle will typically last about 3-5 days.
There’s only one catch:
Just be sure you cork it and store it in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator.
Red wines high in tannins and acidity will generally last longer than softer and fruitier wines, like Pinot Noir.
To get the most out of your open bottle of red wine, it is best to store it in the refrigerator.
And red wine goes bad much faster in temperatures of 70 degrees F and above.
Full-Bodied White Wine
The exact shelf life of an open bottle of full-bodied white wine will depend on the type of wine and how it is stored.
But typically, an open bottle of full-bodied white wine lasts about 3-5 days.
Likewise, you need to cork it and store it in the refrigerator.
In general, white wines that are high in acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, will last longer than those that are softer and less acidic.
Oaked Chardonnay or Viognier oxidises more quickly because they see more oxygen during their pre-bottling aging process.
Sparkling Wine
That’s for sure:
Sparkling wines like Champagne and Prosecco tend to lose their carbonation more quickly.
Generally, bubbly wines last for about 1-3 days. Same here; it just needs to be corked and stored in the refrigerator.
After it’s opened, you’ll definitely need a sparkling wine stopper. Even with that, it will last one to three days in the refrigerator before it gets flat.
Bottom line?
It’s best to consider drinking your sparkling wines on the same day.
Light White, Sweet White and Rosé Wine
Light white wines, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, last 5–7 days.
If it is corked and kept in the refrigerator, it can be drinkable for up to a week.
You’ll notice the taste will change subtly after the first day as the wine oxidizes.
Put another way:
The overall fruit character of the wine often diminishes, becoming less vibrant.
Fortified Wine
Here’s the catch:
Fortified wines tend to have a longer shelf life than still wines because they are made with a higher alcohol content, which acts as a natural preservative.
But you’re probably wondering:
How long can it last?
If re-corked and stored in a cool, dark place (below 70 degrees F), fortified wines can last up to 28 days.
And some fortified wines can last months because they have already been oxidized and cooked, and oxygen can't affect them.
With that, let’s move on to how you can tell if a wine has gone bad.
How would you know if an open bottle of wine has gone off?
There are a few key signs that a bottle of wine has gone off.
Here are some points to look out for:
- Off aromas: A wine that has gone bad will often have a pungent, vinegar-like smell.
- Flat taste: If the wine tastes dull or flat, it may be past its prime.
- Sediment: Wines starting to go bad may form sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
- Mousy smell: A mousy smell is a musty, moldy smell that indicates the wine has gone bad.
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the wine.
How to Store Wine Better?
There are numerous ways to store your wine better.
Here’s how this works:
First of all, keep your wine in a cool, dark place.
You need store it at a consistent temperature of around 55°F (13°C).
Light and heat can cause the wine to spoil, so it is best to store it in a cool, dark place, such as a wine cellar or a closet.
Second, it is best to store it on its side.
You need to store red wines on their side to prevent the cork from drying.
This will help to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle and spoiling the wine.
As we suggested throughout the article, store open bottles in the refrigerator.
If you have an open bottle of wine that you think will need more time to finish, store it in the refrigerator. This will help slow the oxidation process, which can cause the wine to spoil.
It gets better:
If you don't think you can finish the bottle within that time, you can also consider transferring the wine to a smaller container to minimize the amount of air that comes into contact with the wine.
Using a wine vacuum pump should help. A wine vacuum pump is a device that removes the air from an open bottle of wine, which can help to extend its shelf life.
And lastly, you can use a wine fridge. Its design helps to store wine at the optimal temperature and humidity. It can be a good investment for serious wine collectors.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your wine stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
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We hope you enjoyed our suggestions on how to keep open bottles of wine fresh.
Now it’s your turn to speak.
Which tricks do you use to keep your wine fresh? Do sparkling wines really tend to lose their carbonation quickly?
We welcome your valuable ideas in the comments section.