It is true that wine has a great capacity to be preserved in the bottle for a long time, and that some bottles can become very valuable because of this. However, how long does an open bottle of wine last?
At Excellent Cork, as cork manufacturers, we’ll tell you everything about it: how long does an open bottle of wine last? And how can you preserve it?
Keep reading and discover everything you need to know to enjoy its flavor.
Factors that influence the preservation of opened wine
Unfortunately, wine does expire once opened, but there are factors that affect how long it lasts: the type of wine and the storage conditions.
At Excellent Cork, we understand that wine preservation is key to maintaining its quality. That’s why we develop solutions like our wine stoppers, designed to seal efficiently and reduce oxidation. Discover how to extend the durability of your wines with next-generation technical corks.
Type of wine and its resistance to oxidation
Depending on the type of wine, it has greater or lesser resistance to oxidation. Oxidation will progressively deteriorate the wine. When wine is oxidized, it develops unpleasant aroma and taste.
Young red wine, especially those with high tannin content, generally oxidize more slowly than white or sparkling wines, but they are not immune.
Storage conditions
Where should opened wine be stored? Proper storage conditions will help your bottle last a little longer.
It is very important that wine is properly sealed and stored in a place protected from light, as light negatively affects preservation. The bottle should be stored upright, so the surface in contact with air is minimized.
The ideal temperature is below 13°C (55°F), so if you’re wondering how to store opened wine, it is recommended to keep it in the fridge.
Estimated preservation time depending on the type of wine
Depending on the wine type, we can estimate how long opened wine lasts.
- White wine: lasts about three days; should be kept in the fridge with its cork.
- Rosé wine: similar to white wine, it lasts about three days in the fridge with its cork.
- Young red wine: can last up to a week due to slower oxidation. The more tannins it has, the better. It should be kept in a cool, dark place.
- Aged or light red wine: has fewer tannins, so it lasts only two to three days.
- Sweet wine: the sweeter and more aged it is, the longer it will last.
- Sparkling wine: lasts the least once opened, around 24 to 36 hours, and only with a special stopper. This is because they quickly lose their bubbles after opening.
Effective methods to extend the life of opened wine
Here are some very effective tricks to preserve opened wine:
- Seal the open bottle with its original cork.
- Use a smaller bottle to reduce wine’s exposure to oxygen.
- There are special stoppers for opened wine bottles that remove air, minimizing oxidation.
- Vacuum pumps to remove air from the bottle.
At Excellent Cork, we understand that preserving wine is essential to maintaining its quality. That’s why we develop solutions like our wine stoppers, designed to seal efficiently and reduce oxidation. Discover how to improve the durability of your wines with advanced technical corks.
Signs that an opened wine has lost its quality
Once you know how long it lasts and where to store opened wine, we’ll explain how to tell when it’s gone bad.
Keep in mind that its smell and taste will be much more acidic and vinegary, making it unpleasant to drink.
Frequently asked questions about preserving opened wine
Is it safe to drink wine that has been open for a week?
Even though the wine has completely oxidized, it won’t harm your health to drink wine that has been open for a week. However, keep in mind that the taste won’t be pleasant and, to preserve the flavor and properties, it’s best to use specially designed wine stoppers.
Do organic wines spoil faster once opened?
No, organic wines last the same as traditional ones, about 3 to 5 days if stored properly.
How does the sweetness of wine affect its post-opening durability?
In general, the sweeter and more aged the wine, the longer it lasts once opened.
Is it advisable to transfer leftover wine to smaller bottles?
Yes, because this reduces the wine’s exposure to oxygen, helping it last longer.
Is using inert gas effective for preserving opened wine?
Yes, this gas can be sprayed into the open bottle to displace the oxygen, extending preservation up to two weeks. Some gases that can be used include nitrogen and argon.
