How long can an opened bottle of wine last?

When a bottle of wine is opened, the countdown begins immediately. But how long can an opened bottle of wine be kept without losing its taste and quality? In this article, we will look at the shelf life of different wines and the best storage tips.

Red wine

Shelf life: 3-5 days
Storage: At maximum room temperature, but preferably in a cool, dark place, for example sealed with a glass wine stopper. Best to refrigerate.
Note: The tannins and acidity of red wines help preserve the wine, but they also lose their flavor over time. For the best taste experience, it should be consumed within 3-5 days.

White wine and Rosé

Shelf life: 3-7 days
Storage: In the refrigerator, sealed with the original seal.
Note: White wines and rosés have lower tannin levels and therefore deteriorate faster than red wines. Stored in the refrigerator, they can keep their freshness for up to a week.

Sparkling wine (Champagne, Prosecco)

Shelf life: 1-3 days
Storage: In the refrigerator, sealed with special stopper.
Note: Sparkling wines lose their carbonation quickly, so it is worth consuming them as soon as possible to enjoy their freshness and effervescence.

Dessert wines (Portó, Sherry)

Shelf life: 1-3 weeks
Storage: In the refrigerator, tightly closed.
Note: Dessert wines can be kept longer due to their higher sugar and alcohol content. Their taste and quality are preserved for a longer time, even for several weeks.

General storage tips

• Minimize Oxidation: Oxygen is one of the biggest enemies of opened wine, as it quickly deteriorates its quality. The glass stoppers seal the bottle airtight, so contact with air can be minimized.
• Vacuum Sealers: These devices help to extract most of the air from the bottle, thus slowing down oxidation. Their use is most recommended if you want to store wine for a longer period of time.
• Refrigeration: By storing wines in the refrigerator, we can slow down the chemical processes that cause the wine to deteriorate.

The above are general guidelines and the actual shelf life may vary depending on the specific type and quality of the wine. It is always a good idea to taste the wine before deciding whether it is still good to drink. If the taste or smell of the wine has changed, or if it shows vinegar notes, then it is no longer worth storing.

Summary

Proper storage of wine after opening is key in order to enjoy its taste and quality for as long as possible. Red wines, white wines, rosés, sparkling wines and dessert wines should all be consumed within different periods of time, taking into account the storage conditions. The next time you open a bottle of wine, keep these tips in mind and enjoy the true taste of the wine for as long as possible!