Whether it was just one glass of wine after a long day or you miscalculated the alcohol consumption of your dinner guests, there are moments when you find yourself with an open bottle of quality wine at the end of the evening.
The leftovers of a delicious meal are generally appreciated, but when it involves wine, this presents a problem, as its flavor can deteriorate rapidly if not stored properly. Fortunately, over the years of enjoying this drink, various tricks and tools have been developed to extend the shelf life of an open bottle. Rico Wine Park & vineyards describes few examples here.
Select your wine carefully
Even though the flavor might change, drinking from an open bottle of wine isn’t harmful to your health, as the alcohol concentration is sufficient to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying.
However, you don’t have to put up with the unpleasant taste of a spoiled bottle of wine just because it won’t make you sick.
Oxygen is wine’s enemies. When wine is exposed to oxygen, it triggers reactions that convert alcohol into acetaldehyde. This chemical is formed when alcohol molecules are broken down by enzymes in our liver, and it also gives wine a vinegar-like flavor.
But wines with a higher alcohol content (15.5 percent and above) will stay in good condition for a longer time. Another important factor to consider is acidity, as the pH level determines how quickly oxidation occurs. This indicates that the more acidic a wine is, the lower its pH level is, and the slower it will deteriorate.
Tips for prolonging the life of an opened bottle of wine
On average, an opened bottle of red wine will retain its taste for approximately four to five days, whereas whites and rosés can last between two to three days. However, with proper care, you might be able to savor your wine for even more time.
Ensure to secure the bottle back onto its lid after you’ve completed transferring.
Once you’ve finished pouring the first time, it’s essential to put the bottle back on its cap to prevent oxygen from entering. Even if you intend to consume the rest at a later time, it’s wise to fasten the cap or employ a wine stopper.
Think about using reusable stoppers for red, white, and rosé wines. For bottles of sparkling wine, choose a stopper designed for sparkling wine, as these can extend the drink’s freshness by up to two days instead of just 24 hours.
Place the bottle upright in the refrigerator.
Storing the bottle upright not only prevents spills but also minimizes the wine’s exposure to oxygen since the liquid has a larger surface area when it’s elevated. And don’t worry if you don’t own a wine fridge. A regular refrigerator can maintain a lower temperature, which will help preserve the wine’s freshness for a longer duration.
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To further limit the wine’s exposure to oxygen, pour the leftover wine into a container that can be securely sealed. Store it in the refrigerator.
Eliminate the oxygen with a wine vacuum pump
A wine vacuum pump removes oxygen from the bottle to extend its shelf life—it operates on the same principle as vacuum-sealed foods.
Invest in a Coravin wine preservation system
For those who often discard quality leftover wine, think about making a purchase of a Coravin Wine Preservation System. This system, features a needle that is inserted into the cork without removing it, enabling you to pour the wine while the bottle stays closed. After the wine is poured, the cork returns to its original form, blocking any oxygen from entering. This system is commonly used by restaurants.
Conclusion
To enjoy your wine at its best, store it properly after opening. Always seal the bottle tightly, refrigerate it, and consider using tools like vacuum pumps or inert gas sprays. By taking these steps, you can extend the freshness and flavor of your wine for several days.
