We all like to kick back and relax with a glass, okay 2 glasses, ugh fine, a whole bottle, of wine every now and then after a hard day. But on the very rare occasion you cannot finish off a bottle in one night, how long will it actually last? If you have ever discovered an almost empty bottle at the back of the fridge and decided to finish it off, only to find it tasted like vinegar, then you know all too well that wine goes bad. But when?
Sommelier Kyle Pepperell told Eater.com that most types of wine usually last for about two to three days after opening, but the shelf life of wine depends on three factors: type of wine, wine storage, and quality of wine. Wines that are more tannic or full-bodied, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon as opposed to a Merlot, can last longer and actually benefit from being open for a little bit. Also wines that contain a lot of sugar, like a dessert wine, have a longer shelf life. On the other hand, sparkling wines and Champagne cannot be kept long after opening since they quickly lose their carbonation.
How the wine is stored, both before and after opening, is another large factor in determining the shelf life. Store your open wine in the fridge, not the counter, after opening to increase its shelf life. You can also use a vacuum sealed top to decrease the amount of oxygen the wine is exposed to.
Lastly, you must take into account the quality of the wine when determining its shelf life.Top quality wines, like Burgundy Grand Crus, have an improved taste after being left open for a few days. The higher quality of the wine, the longer it will last once opened.
Mosts wine stay good for about three days after opening so get to drinking! Got a cheap bottle of wine? Learn how to transform it into a cocktail masterpiece here.
