How Long Will Your Opened Wine Last?

Wine lovers around the world can attest to the fact that a good bottle of wine is a precious commodity. The delicate balance of flavors and aromas requires careful handling and storage, especially once the bottle has been opened. While a rubber wine stopper can help preserve your wine, it is not a complete seal and the wine will eventually expire. But the question that many people ask is: How long will an opened bottle of wine last?

Types of Wine

According to a recent article on The Savory, the amount of time that wine lasts after it has been opened depends on the type of wine. The deeper the red, the longer it will last. Sparkling wines such as champagne, on the other hand, should be consumed within a few hours of opening. Here is a breakdown of how long different types of wine can last:

Red Wine

As a general rule of thumb, most red wines will keep for three to five days after opening. This includes popular varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz. However, this may vary depending on the specific type of red wine, as well as the storage conditions. A red wine that has been exposed to too much light or heat may spoil more quickly than one that has been properly stored.

White Wine

White wines are generally considered to have a shorter shelf life than red wines once they have been opened. Most white wines will keep for three to five days after opening, although some may only last one or two days before they begin to lose their flavor. Examples of white wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio.

Rose Wine

Rose wines fall somewhere in between red and white wines in terms of their shelf life once they have been opened. Most rose wines will keep for three to five days after opening, although this can vary depending on the specific type of wine. Some rose wines are closer to red wines in terms of their flavor profile, while others may be more similar to white wines.

Fortified Wine

Fortified wines such as port, sherry, and Madeira have a longer shelf life than most other types of wine once they have been opened. Depending on the specific type of fortified wine, it may last from one week to one month after opening. This is due to the higher alcohol content in fortified wines, which helps to preserve them for longer periods of time.

How to Store Opened Wine

There are a few things you can do to help extend the life of an opened bottle of wine. These include:

Refrigeration

Most opened bottles of wine will benefit from being stored in the refrigerator. This helps to slow down the oxidation process, which can cause the wine to spoil more quickly. A good rule of thumb is to store red wine in the fridge for around 30 minutes before serving, while white and rose wines should be chilled for a few hours before serving.

Vacuum Sealers

Vacuum sealers can help to remove air from an opened bottle of wine, which can help to slow down the oxidation process. These devices work by sealing a special stopper onto the top of the wine bottle and removing air from the bottle using a vacuum pump. This can help to extend the life of an opened bottle of wine by a few extra days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wine has a limited shelf life once it has been opened. The exact amount of time that wine will last depends on the type of wine, as well as the storage conditions. Red wines generally last longer than white wines, while fortified wines can last for several weeks after opening. By understanding how to store opened wine properly, you can help extend its shelf life and enjoy your favorite wines for even longer.