How Long Does an Opened Bottle of Wine Stay Fresh?

We've all encountered this situation: You open a bottle of Wine after a long day's work or to celebrate a dinner party, only to find yourself with half a bottle remaining by the end of the evening. Now, what should you do with it?

Even worse, imagine falling asleep and waking up to discover your special bottle of Wine left on the countertop, exposed and vulnerable. Naturally, you don't want to discard the bottle, but is it still suitable for consumption?

Determining the exact lifespan of an opened bottle of Wine is a complex matter. In reality, it depends on the specific type of Wine and how it is stored.

How Long Does Open Wine Last?

As a general guideline, table wines, which encompass red and white non-sparkling varieties, typically maintain their quality for about three to five days after being opened. Fortified wines, such as Port or Sherry, have a longer shelf life and can last for a few weeks or even months once opened.

Below, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of the longevity of different types of Wine after opening, as well as some tips on how to store Wine to ensure its freshness.

Red Wine

If you recork a bottle of red wine and store it in a cool, dark place, it should retain its quality for three to five days. Red wines with higher tannin content, the bitter compounds derived from grape skins, seeds, stems, and wooden barrels, are more resilient against oxidation and tend to last longer. Therefore, lighter red wines with fewer tannins, such as Pinot Noir, have a shorter shelf life than full-bodied reds like Shiraz, which possess more tannins.

Refrigerating Red wine is a better alternative to leaving it exposed if a suitable, dark storage spot is unavailable. Temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit accelerate the deterioration of red Wine.

Light White Wine, Including Sweet and Rosé Varieties

Light white can maintain its quality for approximately five to seven days when recorded and refrigerated. The wine may lose some of its flavors as it oxidizes, but it will remain drinkable for up to a week. However, it's important not to expect the same fruity flavors as when the bottle opened.

Full-Bodied White Wine

Recorked and refrigerated, full-bodied white wine should retain its quality for about three to five days after opening. White wines like Chardonnay and Muscat are prone to quick oxidation due to their increased exposure to oxygen during aging. If you frequently enjoy white Wine, it may be worth considering the purchase of a vacuum wine stopper to ensure an airtight seal, thereby prolonging the freshness of the Wine.

Sparkling Wine

Once opened, sparkling wines such as Champagne and Prosecco tend to lose their carbonation relatively quickly. To preserve a bottle of sparkling Wine, it is essential to use a sparkling wine stopper. However, even with a stopper, the carbonation will only last for approximately one to three days in the refrigerator before the Wine becomes flat.

Fortified Wine

Fortified wines, or dessert wines, can maintain their quality for up to 28 days after being opened if recorked and stored in a cool, dark place (below 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Generally, the sweeter the dessert wine—such as Port, Sherry, and Marsala—the longer it will last.

Some fortified wines, particularly Marsala and Madeira, can last months after opening. These wines have already undergone oxidation and cooking processes, which significantly extend their shelf life, as they are less susceptible to the effects of oxygen. Noir de Noir can last a few months on the counter!

Bag-in-Box Wine

Once opened, boxed wine can remain fresh for up to six weeks when stored in the refrigerator. However, unlike bottled Wine, bag-in-box wines have a predetermined expiration date, as they are not intended for long-term aging. Unopened bag-in-box wines should be consumed within a year of purchase to ensure optimal quality.

How to Know if Wine Has Gone Bad

Do you want to know if your wine has gone bad? Keep in mind that drinking spoiled wine won't harm you, but it might not taste very good. Spoiled wine turns into vinegar and is safe to consume.

To determine if a partially consumed bottle of wine is still good, you can check its color, smell, and even taste it if necessary. If you pour a glass of red wine and it has turned from red to a brownish color, it's probably time to get rid of the bottle. You can also rely on your sense of smell. If the wine smells like vinegar, it has likely gone bad.

But don't be afraid to give it a taste test. After one sip, you'll know if the wine is still enjoyable. Even if a wine has passed its recommended shelf life, it's a personal preference whether to consume it or not. Some wines can still be tasty even after they've aged, and if it pleases your taste buds, that's all that matters.

How to Store Wine Better

Are you wondering how to store your wine properly? Here are some tips. To keep your sparkling wine fresh, use a sparkling wine stopper.

For white wines, vacuum wine stoppers work best. Or, you can invest in a wine preservation system to extend the freshness of any still wine for weeks, months, or even years like the Coravin Model 5.

The Coravin Model 5 System

It's important to make it a habit to store your wine correctly after each pour. Refrigerate white and sparkling wines, and store reds and dessert wines in a cool, dark place. It's worth the effort to re-cork the bottle after each pour, to avoid accidentally leaving it open overnight.

If you ever misplace the cork or don't have a suitable stopper, you can still slow down the oxidation process by covering the opening with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, secured with a rubber band. This makeshift solution isn't airtight, but it will help you avoid having to throw away a partially consumed bottle of wine.

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