How Long Does Wine Last After Popping The Cork?
As a wine lover, you know that even the finest wine has an expiration date. Once you pop the cork and pour a glass, the countdown on freshness begins. How long exactly does wine taste great once you open it? Well, it all depends on the type of wine.
White Wine
Since you refrigerate white wine, most white wines and rose wines will stay fresh tasting for up to five days, as long as they’re kept in the refrigerator and corked properly. Some wines can be kept for up to seven days, but this depends on the type of wine.
Red Wine
Store red wine out of the fridge and somewhere cool and dark for the best tasting libation. A well corked red wine can remain tasty for up to five days. Some wines may start to become bitter after three days, but a quick taste test will let you know. Avoid storing red wines in the refrigerator. Red wines that have more tannins will last longer than others.
Champagne
Champagne isn't like other wines and spirits, as it pretty much begins to flatten immediately upon opening due to loss of carbonation. That said, if properly corked with a champagne stopper, you may be able to enjoy another glass for up to three days after opening the bottle.
Fortified Wine
Fortified wines, such as sherry, madeira, and port, have a longer shelf life than traditional wines because of their higher alcohol and sugar content. Most fortified wines last from two weeks to a month with proper corking, and should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Exposure to light will cause these wines to break down at a faster rate.
How To Make Wine Last Longer
To extend the life of your wine, make sure to recork your bottle after you pour a glass, store the wine upright, and consider use of a wine preserver, like a vacuum pump. Professional corks are a great alternative to regular corks and may extend the life of your bottle, especially when it comes to champagne. These sparkling wine stoppers are affordable and useful.
For budding sommeliers, wine storage can become an issue. Take the guesswork out of wine storage by visiting Park Cities Self Storage in Dallas, Texas. We offer climate controlled wine storage in an attractive environment, and can accommodate up to 200 wine cases.
