OPEN BOTTLE OF WINE: HOW TO STORE IT PROPERLY? ADVICE FROM AN OENOLOGIST

Find out how long to keep an open wine and tips from an oenologist to preserve the taste of red, white and sparkling wines.

Have you opened a bottle of wine and not finished it? Here's what to do.

Whether it is an impromptu dinner or an extended aperitif, it often happens that a bottle of wine remains opened. But how long can it be kept without altering its aromas? And how to store it properly? The Italian oenologist Marco Mascellani shares with us his best advice for preserving all the taste qualities of your red, white and even bubble wines.

How long can you keep an open bottle of wine?

As a general rule, a wine started should not remain open for more than 2 days. After this time, oxygen alters its aromas and structure. However, some amateurs can appreciate the aromatic developments of a wine kept for up to 7 to 10 days... but this remains a pleasure reserved for experienced palates.

The best preservation methods

• Replace the original cap : simple, but not very effective against oxidation.
• Vacuum corkscrew : ideal for reds and whites, it extracts oxygen from the bottle.
• Steel stopper : perfect for sparkling wines, it maintains pressure and freshness.
• Coravin System : high-end solution, which allows you to serve a wine without ever opening the bottle thanks to a needle which prevents the entry of oxygen.

Store red wine after opening

Red wine generally keeps 2 days at room temperature (16-18°C). With a good vacuum seal, it can be stored for up to 7 days. In summer, you can cool it slightly before serving (18-20°C) by placing it briefly in an ice bucket.

Store white wine in the refrigerator

White wine is more sensitive to oxidation. It keeps 2 to 7 days in the fridge, ideally at 10-12°C for tasting. Use a suitable cap to avoid loss of freshness.

And the bubbles? Up to 10 days with a good cork

With an airtight stopper, a bottle of sparkling wine can be kept for up to 10 days without losing its sparkle. The oenologist nevertheless specifies that champagnes and Franciacorta (traditional method) keep better than proseccos (Charmat method).

Examples of lifespan for bubbles:

• Prosecco : to consume within 2 years following bottling
• Champagne / Franciacorta : 4 to 5 years, even decades for great wines

How do you know if a wine is no longer good?

A wine does not become unfit for consumption, but it can lose all its taste interest. Here are some signs:

• White wine : turns golden, amber or orange, with aromas reminiscent of Marsala.
• Red wine : changes from ruby ​​to garnet, then orange, with oxidized notes.

That said, these developments can be part of the tasting experience for certain great wines.

In summary

• Store the red ones at 16-18°C, the white ones in the refrigerator.
• Use vacuum sealers or stoppers to prolong their freshness.
• Observe the color and aromas: they will tell you if the wine has gone bad.
• Try the Coravin system to enjoy a great wine without opening it completely.

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👉 Source : Read the original article on La Cucina Italiana