Don’t Wine About It: How Long Wine Lasts
Have you ever pulled an open bottle of wine out of the fridge, questioning whether or not it has turned? Well wonder no more; our wine guide has a definitive list that you can keep on hand, which will inform you of when your wine is still okay to drink. Never pour out the last glass again!
Wine can go bad in two ways, and both are simply chemical reactions that occur naturally. It can oxidize, or develop acetic acid, which consumes the alcohol, leaving your wine with a vinegary taste. If you’re a red wine drinker, a good rule of thumb is to keep the bottle corked, in a cool and dark spot, and drink it 3-5 days after opening. For white wines, it can depend on the type, but on average you have about 5 days to finish a bottle of white that has been kept in the fridge and corked. If you’re a fan of the latest in wine trends – anything sparkling such as Prosecco and Cava – then you want to finish off the bottle after it’s been in the fridge for a day or two – three tops. Also, consider investing in a wine stopper made specifically for sparkling wines.
Some general rules of thumb to keep in mind for storing your unopened bottles are to keep them away from appliances such as the fridge, oven, or dishwasher. The heat these appliances generate could cause the wine to turn a lot earlier. Also, try to store wine on its side if possible; this keeps the cork in optimal condition. Read on for more tips on storing wine, both opened and yet to be enjoyed!
