You opened a bottle last Thursday. It’s Sunday. Is it still good?
The honest answer: it depends on what you’re drinking, how you stored it, and what you mean by “good.” A red wine kept corked in a cool spot is a completely different situation from a sparkling left open on the counter — and most of the blanket advice online skips those details.
Below is a breakdown by wine type, with the actual windows, what to look for when you’re not sure, and why refrigeration matters more for some wines than others.
Wine can go bad in two ways, and both are simply chemical reactions that occur naturally. It can oxidize, or develop acetic acid, which consumes the alcohol, leaving your wine with a vinegary taste.
If you’re a red wine drinker, a good rule of thumb is to keep the bottle corked, in a cool and dark spot, and drink it 3-5 days after opening.
For white wines, it can depend on the type, but on average you have about 5 days to finish a bottle of white that has been kept in the fridge and corked. If you’re a fan of the latest in wine trends – anything sparkling such as Prosecco and Cava – then you want to finish off the bottle after it’s been in the fridge for a day or two – three tops. Also, consider investing in a wine stopper made specifically for sparkling wines.
Some general rules of thumb to keep in mind for storing your unopened bottles are to keep them away from appliances such as the fridge, oven, or dishwasher. The heat these appliances generate could cause the wine to turn a lot earlier. Also, try to store wine on its side if possible; this keeps the cork in optimal condition. Read on for more tips on storing wine, both opened and yet to be enjoyed!
Source: eReplacementParts.com
