The Right Way to Store an Open Bottle of Wine
There’s nothing quite like opening a bottle of wine to enjoy with a meal or to celebrate a special occasion. But what do you do if you can’t finish the entire bottle? Properly storing an open bottle of wine is crucial to ensuring its quality and taste. Here are some tips for storing an open bottle of wine:
1. Recork the Bottle
The first step to storing an open bottle of wine is to properly recork it. The cork helps to keep the wine fresh and prevent it from spoiling. Make sure to use the original cork or a wine stopper that fits securely in the bottle. Avoid using plastic wrap or other makeshift solutions, as they can let air into the bottle and ruin the wine.
2. Refrigerate the Wine
After recorking the bottle, it’s important to keep it in a cool, dark place. The ideal storage temperature for an open bottle of wine is between 45°F and 65°F. If you have space in your refrigerator, this is the best place to store the bottle. Just make sure to take it out a little while before serving to let it warm up to the ideal serving temperature.
3. Use a Wine Preservation System
If you’re planning to keep the bottle for more than a day or two, consider investing in a wine preservation system. These systems use vacuum technology to remove the air from the bottle, helping to keep the wine fresh for up to a week. There are several types of wine preservation systems available, from manual pumps to automatic systems, so choose one that fits your needs and budget.
4. Keep the Bottle Upright
While it’s tempting to lay the bottle on its side, especially if it’s a red wine, it’s actually better to keep it upright. This is because laying the bottle on its side can cause the cork to dry out and shrink, which can let air into the bottle and spoil the wine. By keeping the bottle upright, you’ll also be able to see the wine’s sediment settle at the bottom, which can be an indicator of the wine’s age and quality.
5. Don’t Shake the Bottle
As tempting as it may be, avoid shaking the bottle to mix up the wine before serving. This can introduce air into the wine and cause it to spoil more quickly. Instead, gently swirl the wine in the glass to aerate it and release its aromas.
6. Know When to Say Goodbye
Even if you take all the right steps to store an open bottle of wine, eventually it will start to deteriorate. While some wines can last for up to a week or more, others may only last a day or two. To avoid drinking spoiled wine, use your senses to determine if it’s still good. Smell the wine – if it smells like vinegar, wet cardboard, or simply doesn’t smell good, it’s time to say goodbye. Taste the wine – if it tastes sour or off, it’s time to open a new bottle.
The Bottom Line
Storing an open bottle of wine may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. By recorking the bottle, refrigerating it, using a preservation system, keeping it upright, avoiding shaking it, and knowing when to say goodbye, you’ll be able to enjoy your wine for as long as possible. Cheers!