How Long Does Wine Keep After Opening

Picture this - you open a bottle of wine to enjoy a glass or two, and now you're left with the remaining, not panicking about preserving its quality and taste. You might be wondering, how long does wine keep after opening, and what is the best way to store it? You've come to the right place! Here at Black Wine Club, we are passionate about providing you with engaging and accurate wine-related content.

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Opened Wine

When it comes to preserving the quality of opened wine, there are multiple factors to consider, such as:

Type of Wine

• Sparkling Wine: These wines lose their carbonation quickly and are best consumed within 1-3 days after opening.
• Light White Wine and Rose: These wines can be enjoyed within 5-7 days after opening.
• Full-Bodied White Wine: As these wines have a higher tannin and acid level, they can last 3-5 days after opening.
• Red Wine: The tannins present in red wine act as a preservative, allowing them to last between 3-7 days after opening.
• Fortified Wine: Due to the high alcohol content in fortified wines like Port and Sherry, they can be preserved for longer periods, usually around 28 days after opening.

Storage Conditions

To ensure the best preservation of opened wine, follow these storage tips:

• Re-cork or seal the bottle tightly to prevent oxidation.
• Store the wine in a cool and dark place with a consistent temperature (preferably around 55°F / 13°C).
• Keep the bottle in an upright position to minimize the surface area exposed to air.
• Refrigeration can significantly slow down the rate of oxidation, thus prolonging the life of opened wines, especially whites and roses.

Oxidation

Oxidation is the main enemy of the wine. When a wine bottle is opened, it is exposed to air, which sets off a chemical reaction causing the wine to degrade. Oxidation can result in a dull flavor, muted aroma, and a brownish color in your wine. The longer a wine is exposed to air, the more affected it becomes by oxidation.

Ways to Preserve Opened Wine

So, you've enjoyed a glass but still have some wine left in the bottle. Here are some useful methods to prolong the life of your opened wine:

• Use a vacuum pump to remove excess air from the bottle and reseal it with a rubber stopper.
• Transfer the wine to a smaller container to minimize the amount of wine exposed to air.
• Use a specialized wine preservation system such as Coravin, which allows you to pour wine without removing the cork.
• Consider using wine preservation sprays containing argon or nitrogen gas to create a barrier protecting the wine from oxidation.

How Long Does Wine Keep After Opening Example:

Let's say you've opened a bottle of delicious Pinot Noir, and it's not quite suitable to finish it in one sitting. By applying the knowledge and tips shared in this article, you can:

1. Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed with either the original cork or a wine stopper.
2. Store the wine upright in a cool and dark location like a pantry or your refrigerator.
3. Consume the wine within 3-7 days, as red wines have a better longevity compared to white and sparkling wines.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of how to keep wine fresh after opening, go ahead and pop that bottle without the fear of letting the rest of it go to waste. As always, we encourage you to explore other articles on Black Wine Club and share your newfound expertise with your fellow wine enthusiasts. Cheers to many more memorable sips and moments!