Re-cork properly by inserting the cork into the bottle in the same direction as when you pulled it out. Avoid putting the “clean” side of the cork into the bottle facing the wine, even if it seems easier to do so, as it may not be clean and could in fact contaminate the wine. [1] X Research source If you don’t have a cork or stopper available to seal your wine bottle, use a small piece of plastic wrap to cover the mouth of the bottle, then secure with a rubber band. [2] X Research source If the bottle has a screw cap, you should screw it back on. [3] X Expert Source Murphy PerngCertified Wine Consultant Expert Interview. 19 February 2020.
Don’t store the wine bottle horizontally on its side once opened, whether on a rack or in the refrigerator. This will expose a greater surface area of the wine to oxygen. [5] X Research source Note that keeping wine in the refrigerator will not keep it from going bad, but it can slow down the chemical process responsible for making the wine lose its flavor.
Avoid storage in temperatures above 70° F. Also keep the wine away from a window to prevent heating and discoloration from the sun. [6] X Research source When taking leftover red wine out of storage in the fridge or other cool place, let it warm up gradually. Place the bottle in lukewarm water, or simply bring it out of the fridge about an hour before serving. [7] X Research source If you’re passionate about your wines, investing in a wine cooler that will keep your wine at a consistent temperature might be a good idea. [8] X Expert Source Murphy PerngCertified Wine Consultant Expert Interview. 19 February 2020.
Make sure your half bottle of leftover wine is sealed tightly with an appropriate cork, stopper, or screw-top. Save empty half bottles, which you can often find when buying dessert wines, and reuse over and over again for this purpose. [9] X Research source If you don’t have any half bottles on hand, you can use another small glass container that seals tightly.
You may want to invest in this device if you frequently have opened bottles of wine to keep, or drink varieties particularly prone to oxygenating, like full-bodied white wines such as oaked Chardonnay or Viognier. [10] X Research source Note that there is some disagreement about the effectiveness of wine vacuums. Some say that the oxygen removal is only partial, or it can actually damage the flavor of the wine due to extracting its aromas as well as the oxygen. [11] X Research source
Try an aerosol spray for an inexpensive option, or a more sophisticated system like the Coravin. [12] X Research source Invest in this system if you’re a wine connoisseur who frequently needs to keep open bottles, as in a restaurant or other serving setting.
Get a stopper specifically made for storing sparkling wine, which will more securely seal the bottle. A regular cork will pop out due to carbonation. [13] X Research source Don’t use a vacuum pump on sparkling wine bottles, as it will suck out the carbonation of the wine. Some people enjoy day-old sparkling wine like champagne more than when it’s freshly opened, due to the slight decrease in carbonation and rounding out of flavors. However, don’t depend on the flavor remaining after more than 24 hours.
Note that dark, rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah will generally keep for longer than lighter red varieties like Pinot Noir. Aged wine older than eight to ten years, and organic or sulfite-free wines, are also more susceptible to going bad more quickly. [14] X Research source
Fortified wines can keep for longer due to the addition of brandy, or sugars in the case of dessert wines. Keep them for up to 28 days with a cork in the fridge. Keep boxed wine in the fridge and continue drinking from it for two to three weeks. Pay attention to and don’t drink beyond the given expiration date, as it is provided based on regulations for food stored in plastic. [15] X Research source Another method of keeping any wine for a very long time is to freeze it for use in cooking. Freeze wine into cubes or a block and keep it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to four to six months. [16] X Research source
