How To Keep Wine Fresh

Are you tired of wasting good wine that has gone bad? Maybe you're just curious about the best way to keep wine fresh after opening a bottle. As a fellow wine enthusiast, we at Black Wine Club understand your concern and are here to help! In this article, we will unravel the secrets of preserving wine's freshness, so you can enjoy every last drop.

Why Wine Goes Bad

Before we dive into how to keep wine fresh, it's essential to understand why wine goes bad in the first place. Wine is a delicate balance of flavors and aromas maintained by the presence of certain chemicals, which can be affected by exposure to air, light, and temperature changes. Oxygen, in particular, plays a significant role in the deterioration of wine as it reacts with the alcohol and causes oxidation.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Proper storage is the key to ensuring your wine's longevity. Here are some general storage tips to follow:

• Keep your wine in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or strong light sources.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations by storing your wine in a stable environment, ideally between 50°F and 55°F (10°C to 13°C).
• Store your wine bottles horizontally, which keeps the cork moist and prevents it from shrinking and allowing air into the bottle.

Preserving Opened Wine

Now let's discuss specific tips for preserving opened wine:

1. Recork the Bottle Properly

Seal the bottle right after pouring to prevent excessive exposure to air. If you have lost the original cork, use a wine stopper as an alternative.

2. Use a Vacuum-Seal Pump

To remove excess air from the bottle, use a vacuum-seal pump. This handy tool extracts the air from the bottle, slowing down the oxidation process.

3. Refrigerate

Storing opened wine in the fridge can help slow down the oxidation process. Red wines can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-7 days, while white wines can last for about 5-7 days. Just remember to bring them to the desired serving temperature before enjoying them again.

4. Transfer to a Smaller Bottle

If you have consumed half of the wine, consider transferring the remaining wine into a smaller bottle. This reduces the amount of air in the bottle and helps preserve the wine for a longer duration.

5. Invest in a Wine Preservation System

There are several wine preservation systems available in the market, such as Coravin and Private Preserve. These systems either use inert gases or smart pouring technology to keep the wine fresh without removing the cork entirely.

How To Keep Wine Fresh Example:

Imagine you've opened a bottler of your favorite red wine but can't finish it all in one night. Instead of simply recorking the bottle and leaving it on the counter, follow these steps to preserve its freshness:

1. Properly recork the bottle with the original cork or a wine stopper.

2. Use a vacuum-seal pump to remove excess air, if available.

3. Transfer the wine into a smaller bottle to reduce the amount of air trapped inside.

4. Store the wine in the refrigerator.

5. When ready to enjoy again, take the wine out of the fridge and allow it to reach its ideal serving temperature before pouring.

With these tips, you are now better equipped to keep your wine fresh and enjoy every last drop. Remember, the key to preserving wine is minimizing its exposure to air, light, and temperature fluctuations. So go ahead, explore new wines and share your experiences with fellow wine enthusiasts at Black Wine Club events! And don't forget to share this article with your friends and fellow wine lovers, because who wouldn't want to keep their wines tasting great?