Ever wondered how long that bottle of wine in your cupboard will last? You’re not alone. Many of us have questions about wine longevity, and importantly, what affects it.
Whether you’re saving a special bottle for a future celebration or just trying to make sure your everyday wine stays fresh, understanding the factors that influence how long wine lasts can make all the difference.
Let’s explore what you need to know to keep your wine at its best.
How long can an unopened wine last?
The lifespan of an unopened wine depends on various factors, including the type of wine and how it’s stored.
Proper storage conditions, such as keeping the wine at a consistent temperature, away from light, and at the right humidity level, can help maximise the shelf life of unopened wine.
Here are the three main factors that can impact unopened wine’s shelf life:
1. Type of wine
Red wine
Generally, red wines last longer due to their higher tannin content, which acts as a natural preservative.
A good bottle of red can often improve over 2-10 years. This includes robust Italian red wines like Barolo and Chianti wine, both of which can age beautifully.
For those interested in enhancing their dining experience, pairing these robust red wines with the right foods can make a significant difference. Check out our blog on pairing wine with food for some delicious ideas.
White wine
White wines are more delicate and typically have a shorter shelf life, often best enjoyed within 1-3 years.
Sparkling wine
The carbonation in sparkling wines affects their longevity. They are usually best consumed within 1-2 years, although high-quality Champagnes can age well for several more years.
Fortified wine
Wines like Port and Sherry, which have added spirits, have a much longer shelf life and can last for decades.
2. Storage conditions
Temperature
Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature, ideally around 55°F (13°C). Fluctuations in temperature can spoil the wine.
Light
UV rays can damage wine, causing it to age prematurely. Store wine in a dark place.
Humidity
Keeping humidity levels around 70% helps prevent corks from drying out and letting in air, which can spoil the wine.
3. Packaging
Bottles
Glass bottles are the traditional choice. Wines with corks can age for years, while those with screw caps are typically for short-term consumption.
Boxes
Boxed wines usually have a shorter shelf life, around 6-12 months, due to the packaging material.
Cans
Increasingly popular, canned wines are designed for immediate consumption and generally don’t last as long.
What is the best way to store wine?
Proper storage is key to keeping your wine in top condition. Keep the temperature consistent, ideally around 13°C (55°F), and avoid fluctuations.
Maintain humidity around 70% to prevent corks from drying out. Store wine in a dark place to protect it from harmful UV rays and avoid vibration to keep the sediment undisturbed.
For cork-sealed bottles, store them horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering. Screw-capped wines can be stored vertically.
Investing in a wine fridge or cellar, or using wine racks, can help maintain these conditions and keep your wine at its best.
Wine shelf life after opening
Once a bottle of wine is opened, its exposure to air begins the oxidation process, which can quickly degrade its quality.
- Red wine: Typically lasts 3-5 days after opening.
- White wine: Also lasts around 3-5 days.
- Sparkling wine: Best consumed within 1-3 days. Special stoppers can help preserve the bubbles longer.
Proper storage after opening a wine
Once opened, proper storage is key to maintaining the wine’s quality. Re-cork the bottle tightly and store it in the refrigerator, regardless of whether it’s red or white.
Wine decanting can also help, especially for reds, as it allows the wine to breathe and enhances its flavours, but be sure to store any leftover wine in an airtight container afterward.
Various tools can help extend the life of opened wine. Vacuum pumps remove air from the bottle, while inert gas sprays create a protective layer over the wine to prevent oxidation.
Signs an open bottle of wine has gone bad
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, wine can go bad. Recognising the signs of spoiled wine is important to avoid an unpleasant drinking experience.
Visually, you may notice changes in the wine’s colour. Red wines may become brownish, while white wines can turn darker than their usual shade.
Sediment in the bottle is another visual clue that the wine may no longer be good. The smell of the wine can also be a strong indicator. If it has a sour or vinegar-like odour, it’s likely spoiled.
When tasting the wine, spoiled wine will taste sour, flat, or have strange flavours that were not present when the bottle was first opened.
These changes in taste, smell, and appearance are clear indicators that the wine has gone bad and is no longer enjoyable to drink.
When does wine improve with time?
Wine ageing allows wines to develop more complex flavours and aromas, but not all wines are meant to age.
It is a common misconception that all wines improve with age. In reality, most wines are designed to be consumed within a few years of bottling and do not benefit from long-term ageing.
Only certain types of wines, like high-tannin reds, high-acid whites, and fortified wines, are meant to age and develop more complex flavours over time.
Ready to expand your wine collection?
Understanding wine longevity and proper storage techniques can greatly enhance your enjoyment. By following the right guidelines, you can ensure every bottle you open remains as delightful as the day you bought it.
Ready to expand your wine collection? Explore a wide variety of quality wines at I Like Wine, Melbourne’s premier online wine store. Shop now and discover your next favourite bottle!
