Stop Wasting Wine: Proven Ways to Preserve an Opened Bottle

Are you puzzled about what to do when you're left with an unfinished bottle of wine? Fret no more! This friendly guide will share all the secrets on how to keep your wine fresh even after it's been opened. We'll give you the low-down on how long opened wine lasts, the ideal storage methods, and a variety of preservation tools at your disposal. And let's not forget our journey into the amazing world of Coravin and its game-changing wine-by-the-glass systems!

So, How Long Does Wine Really Last After Opening?

It's a common query, considering the delicate nature of this beloved beverage. Here's a breakdown of different types of wines and their typical lifespan once the bottle has been opened:

• White wine: On average, white wine can retain its freshness for about 2 to 4 days after opening. However, some whites with higher acidity or sugar content may last a bit longer.

• Red wine: Similar to white wine, red wine can generally be enjoyed for 2 to 4 days after opening. Certain reds, especially those with more tannins and structure, might hold up slightly better over time.

• Sparkling wine: Due to its effervescence and delicate nature, sparkling wine tends to lose its sparkle quickly once opened. It's best to consume it within a day of opening to enjoy its full bubbly charm.

• Fortified wine: The longevity of fortified wines, such as Port or Sherry, can vary. Most fortified wines can last for a few weeks, and some higher-quality options may even maintain their flavor for a few months after opening. However, it's always recommended to check the specific bottle or consult the producer for precise guidelines.

Keep in mind that these timeframes are general estimates and can vary depending on various factors such as the wine's quality, storage conditions, and personal preferences. It's always best to trust your senses and evaluate the wine's taste, aroma, and appearance before consuming it, even within the suggested timeframes.

Why Wine goes bad?

Let's dive into the science of it all. A little oxygen can indeed help the wine open up and reveal more complex flavors – that's why we aerate it. However, too much air exposure can cause undesirable chemical reactions leading to oxidation and microbial activity, which are detrimental to the wine's quality. Phenols, the compounds that give your wine its rich flavors and hues, transform when they mingle with oxygen. While a gentle interaction can enhance the wine's depth, excessive exposure can dull the vibrancy of your wine, turning it flat, reducing its fruitiness, and potentially causing an unwanted brownish color change. But oxygen isn't the only party crasher. Once air infiltrates the bottle, it paves the way for microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. These little culprits feast on the residual sugars in your wine, producing undesirable byproducts that can spoil your delightful vino.

So, while a modest breath of oxygen can certainly benefit your wine, remember that over-oxidation is not your friend. It's all about striking the right balance to savor your wine at its best!

Of course, all wines aren't made equal. Fortified wines like Port or Sherry can handle the pressure better thanks to their high alcohol content and sugar concentration. On the flip side, the sparkle in your sparkling wine can disappear rather quickly when exposed to air, leading to flatter flavors and fewer bubbles.

Dos and Don'ts when it comes to storing wine

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine lover, knowing how to properly store both opened and unopened bottles of wine is key to enjoying your vino at its best. Proper storage not only enhances the taste but also extends the shelf-life of your wines, allowing you to savor your favorite bottles over time. But with so many factors to consider - temperature, light, humidity, orientation - it can seem a tad daunting. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Have a look at pur list of dos and don'ts that will ensure your wine stays delicious and fresh, whether you're planning to enjoy it tonight, next week, or months from now.

Is it worth storing an open bottle in the fridge?

Pop your opened bottle in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer. But keep in mind that refrigeration is not a magic shield against all forms of wine deterioration. It can slow down oxidation, but not stop it entirely.

White and Rosé Wines: These wines love the cold. But if you're planning on savoring the same bottle over months or even years, look no further than Coravin's Timeless or Pivot device. Do remember that moving your wine from cold to warm too often can compromise its quality, so keep temperature fluctuations to a minimum.

Red Wines: For your precious reds, the fridge might not be the best idea. Constant changes in temperature could do more harm than good. A wine fridge or simply storing the bottle at the ideal red wine temperature (55°F to 65°F) is a better choice. If you're using the Coravin Timeless or Pivot system, store your bottle in a cool, dark spot to let it age as the winemaker intended.

Sparkling Wines: Leftover bubbles? Store them in the fridge to keep the fizz going. Better yet, use the Coravin Sparkling device, and you can enjoy fresh and bubbly sparkling wine for up to 4 weeks!

The Coravin Sparkling is a champ when it comes to preserving your Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and other sparkling wines. Its special stopper is perfect for regular and magnum bottles. It pumps CO2 into your bottle, ensuring your wine remains as bubbly and delightful as when you first opened it.

Wine Preservation

Got some wine left after the party? Here's some simple methods and toold you can use to save it for another day...

• Recorking: Simple, immediate, but not the most effective. It's okay for a day or two, but don't count on it for longer storage.

• Vacuum Pump: These clever gadgets suck the air out of the bottle, slowing down oxidation. They could give your wine a few more days, but they aren't entirely foolproof against oxidation.

• Wine Stoppers: These seal your wine bottle tightly using airtight materials, keeping most of the air out. But they might not be as good as vacuum pumps or inert (like argon or nitrogen) gas systems.

• Coravin Wine-by-the-glass Systems: Here's where it gets exciting! Coravin devices like the Timeless, let you pour wine without even removing the cork. They replace the air in your bottle with Argon, an inert gas, which acts like a shield against oxidation. And the result? Your wine can stay good for weeks, months, and even years (certain closures like screwcaps allow for up to 3 months preservation).

Remember, your choice of preservation should depend on how long you plan to keep the wine and how you'd like it to taste when you reopen it.

We hope that this article has helped you uncover the secrets of preserving an open bottle of wine. From the basics of wine storage to understanding the role of Coravin's revolutionary preservation systems, every sip should now be as delightful as the first. Remember, wine is an experience to be savored, and with these tips, you can extend that experience across multiple days or even weeks. And don't forget, even if a wine goes off, all is not lost! Check out our previous blog post on what to do if your wine goes bad for some ingenious ideas.