Opened a bottle of fine wine, but there is no way to finish it all at once, how long can the remaining part continue to be stored? How to store it? This article reveals the answer for you.
1. What happens to the wine after opening the bottle?
When the wine is opened, it will be exposed to more oxygen, and oxygen is “an enemy and friend” for wine. Some wines have a scent of aroma and flavor when they are opened, and the right amount of oxygen helps them “breath”, giving them a more complex and rich aroma and flavor. In addition, for young wines with abundant tannins, exposure to a certain amount of oxygen can accelerate the softening of tannins, making the mouth more rounded and supple.
How long can the wine be opened after opening the bottle?
However, phenolic substances and anthocyanins in wine are very sensitive to oxygen. If they are exposed to excessive oxygen after opening, their aroma and flavor will gradually dissipate, and the pigment content will continue to decrease. In addition, in an oxygen-rich environment, acetic acid bacteria can rapidly multiply and convert alcohol into acetic acid, which causes the wine to deteriorate.
Second, how long can the wine be stored after opening the bottle?
How long can the wine after opening the bottle be stored? There is no standard answer to this question, but a specific analysis based on the style of the wine and the way it is preserved. In general, the higher the content of polyphenols and tannins, the more acidity the wine has, and the stronger the antioxidant capacity of the wine, the longer it can be stored after opening. Some quality Barolos don't even open until the second day after opening. When organic wines and Biodynamics wines are bottled, their freshness can be maintained for a much shorter period of time because they contain very low levels of antioxidants during the brewing process.
Based on the style characteristics, the storage time limit after wine opening is roughly divided into the following cases.
Sparkling wine
The cheerful and dynamic bubbles are the soul of sparkling wine. These bubbles not only bring a different kind of visual enjoyment, but also make the taste more lively and bright. Without them, sparkling wine will be less energetic and boring. However, after the bottle is opened, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the sparkling wine overflows in the form of a bubble due to the rapid drop in the pressure inside the bottle, and gradually blasts away. Therefore, the sparkling wine should be consumed as soon as possible after opening to ensure the best taste. If it is not possible to drink it at one time, immediately seal it with a replacement stopper or special stopper and store it in the refrigerator to avoid the air bubbles dissipating too quickly and drink it within 1.5 days. Compared to sparkling wines made with the Tank Method, such as Prosecco, Cava and Champagne, which are made using the Traditional Method, last longer. some.
2. Light white wine and rosé wine
The light white wine and rosé wines have a light texture, fresh and crisp fruity flavor and a vibrant mouthfeel. It is perfect for fresh drinking when you first open the bottle. But this does not mean that you can't drink it in a short time, you have to dump the rest. As long as the bottle is properly resealed and stored in the refrigerator, it can still be kept in good condition for about 3 days.
3. Full-bodied white wine
Full-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay, Viognier and Trebbiano have been exposed to more oxygen during the ageing process, and the quality declines after opening. Fresh, fresh white wine is much faster. For this type of wine, it is recommended to drink it within 2-3 days after opening.
4. Red wine
For red wines, the higher the acidity and tannin content, the longer the storage time after opening the bottle. If stored properly, most red wines will not have much difference in taste during the 3-5 days after opening. Many oyster red wines, such as young full-bodied red wines, may be taken to the next level after the opening of the bottle.
However, compared to the large Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines, the relatively light wines such as Pinot Noir in Burgundy or other producing areas are more prone to structural slack. Situation, so it is best to drink it within 2-3 days after opening the bottle.
5. Enhanced wine
Thanks to high alcohol content, Fortified Wines such as Port, Sherry, Marsala and Madeira have a strong life, still open after bottle opening It can be stored for 3-4 weeks or so. Of course, high temperatures and direct light will also destroy its wonderful taste, so it should be stored in a cool place after resealing.
