SOLVED: How Long Does Wine Actually Last After It’s Opened?
Some days just call for a glass of wine.
But, unless you are rocking a collection of single-serving bottles in your fridge that are just ready to go (if you are, congratulations, you have made it in life), a glass of wine means opening a full-size bottle.
Now you have two options when you open a bottle of wine.
Option 1 – The responsible one; to have a glass or two and store the bottle away for the next day.
Option 2 – The irresponsible, but let’s face it, more fun one; To drink the whole bottle yourself.
Today, we are going to focus on Option 1 and how you can make sure your leftover wine is just as good as the first sip you had on day one.
At one stage in our lives, we have had a half-full bottle of wine in our fridge that we could not bear to throw away just because they have been open for more than a day.
In fact, this happened to us quite recently and it got us thinking: How long does wine last when opened?
So we dug a bit deeper into the answer to this question and ended up writing this post!
Read on to learn all about it.
The Basics Of Wine Life
Experts say there is a different case with each type of wine because each one is made in so many different ways.
The best way of keeping a wine no matter what type it is after you have opened it is to remember to recork it and store it in the fridge.
By doing this, you are limiting the exposure of the win to oxygen, light, and heat. These are the elements that take bottled wine from tasting wonderful to downright disgusting.
If you take all the proper precautions, wine can last between 2 and 5 days.
How Long Do the Different Types of Wine Last When Opened?
Let’s look into different types of wines to figure out how long does wine last when opened.
Sparkling Wine (Prosecco, Cava, etc)
Sparkling wine can last for 1 to 3 days in the fridge if it’s recorked to prevent losing its carbonation after being opened.
A traditional sparkling wine like champagne or cava can last a little longer than Prosecco and other wines generated through the tank method.
The traditional wines have more pressure when bottled hence they have the ability to last longer.
White Wine & Rose Wine
Wondering how long does white wine last? Whether it’s rose wine, sweet white, or light white wine, it can last for 5 to 7 days in the fridge with a cork.
Most light white and rose wines last for a week when stored properly. The taste is likely to change after the first day because of oxidization. The fruit character of the wine will also diminish changing the dynamic.
Full-Bodied White Wine
How long does white wine keep? Well, a full-bodied white wine can last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
This wine oxidizes quickly because of the presence of oxygen during the pre-bottling ageing process.
If you drink full-bodied white wine often, get vacuum caps to make it last.
Red Wine
Red wine is by far the most popular wine in the world. But how long does red wine last once opened?
Like white wine, it can also last for 3 to 5 days if placed in a cool place with a cork.
If the red wine has more acidity and tannin, it can last for a longer time after opening.
Some red wines improve after the first day of opening. The best way to preserve them is to store them in a dark and cool place or a chiller after opening.
If you don’t have a chiller then don’t be afraid of placing it in a fridge as this will work too. Just don’t let it sit in at room temperature for an extended period of time.
Fortified Wine
Now that you know how long can red wine stay open, let’s move on to fortified wine.
Wines such as Sherry, Marsala, and Port can last for up to 28 days when recorked and placed in a cool dark place.
These wines have a longer shelf life. However, they can lose flavour when exposed to heat and light.
Want If I Forget to Recork my Wine?
Let’s assume it was one of those crazy nights where you forget to recork the wine and it was left out all night.
Does that mean you should dump it? Probably, but before sending it down the sink, pour yourself a bit in a glass.
Have a look at its colour. If it has turned into brown-tinged colour, sadly, you should dump it. This is a sign of oxidation.
On the contrary, if it looks good and it doesn’t smell like bruised apples, then drink a little bit to check the taste. Who knows it might have been able to survive!
Would You Know If A Wine Has Gone Off?
In particular, look for the oxidization we mentioned above. Also, look for these signs:
- Dull fruit aroma
- Dull flavor
- Dimmed color
- Brown-edge tinge
Look for vinegary notes. These form because of bacteria that builds up acetic acid.
Tips for Making Your Wine Last
All avid wine lovers would want to ensure their favourite wine lasts for long. What can be done to ensure that, you ask? Here are some tips:
- Keep it in a cool place. Experts recommend the ideal temperature for storing fine is between 55 and 60 degrees F.
- All types of wines are sensitive to rapid changes in temperature. This can cause an unwanted chemical reaction. The wine might go back before you even open the cork.
- Place the wine in a cabinet when you bring it from the grocery store. Only refrigerate it when you wish to drink it.
- Keep the wine away from sunlight exposure. Always switch off the lights of the cellar before you leave. Wines prefer being in dark places.
- When storing the bottle, place it horizontally. This keeps the cork moist and prevents air from getting inside the bottle. Place the label side facing up so you can check the information without disturbing the bottle.
Summing Up
Once you have opened the wine, make sure you recork it and place it back in the fridge. This should make your wine last for up to 3 to 7 days. Look for signs of damage before pouring a glass from an opened wine.
Andy
Ever since I started cooking I’ve been fascinated by how different people’s techniques are and how they best utilise the ingredients around them. Even the person living next door will have their own unique way of frying an egg or cooking a salmon fillet.
This fascination led me on a journey across the globe to discover the countless practices and traditions the world of cooking has to offer. I thought you’d enjoy and find value in sharing that journey with me so I created Cooked Best!