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Does Wine Expire? How to Tell If Your Wine Has Gone Bad

Kelly Tobin
Written By Kelly Tobin
Original Publish Date: Sep 5, 2024, 07:10 PM
Last updated: Sep 5, 2024, 08:08 PM
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You’ve probably heard wine snobs talk about “aging” wine like it’s a good thing, but that doesn’t mean wine doesn’t go bad. Back in college, I would unknowingly leave a half-drunk bottle of wine on the counter, only to come back to it tasting slightly metallic and vinegar-y (gross).

I now know that this comes from a process called oxidation, and it’s definitely something you want to avoid in the world of wine. Keep reading to learn more about the science of wine oxidation, signs your wine has gone bad, as well as tips for storing wine so it lasts longer.

Oxidizing Wine: How Does It Work?

When wine is exposed to oxygen, it can become “oxidized,” which means that certain compounds in the wine, such as phenols and ethanol, undergo reactions that can result in the wine tasting flat, dull, or even vinegary. This process is similar to what happens when you cut open an apple and it turns brown due to exposure to air. While a little bit of oxidation can sometimes enhance certain characteristics in wine, too much can lead to spoilage.

How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?

As a rule of thumb, most wines will last for 3-5 days after opening if stored properly. However, it varies depending on a couple important factors like the storage condition and wine type.

Storage Condition

Storage conditions play a crucial role in determining how long a bottle of wine will last after being opened. Here’s how different factors can impact the wine’s shelf life:

  • Temperature: Storing opened wine at a consistent, cool temperature, ideally in the refrigerator, slows down oxidation and helps preserve its flavors. Warmer temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, causing the wine to degrade more quickly.
  • Light: Exposure to light, especially UV light, can accelerate oxidation and degrade the wine’s flavors and aromas. It’s best to store opened wine bottles away from direct sunlight or strong artificial light sources.
  • Air exposure: While a small amount of oxygen exposure can enhance certain characteristics in wine, too much can lead to oxidation and spoilage. To minimize oxygen exposure, reseal the bottle tightly with a cork or wine stopper and consider using preservation methods like vacuum pumps or inert gas systems.
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity levels help keep corks moist and prevent them from drying out, which can lead to premature oxidation and cork taint. However, excessive humidity can promote mold growth on the cork and label, potentially affecting the wine’s quality.

By controlling these storage conditions and minimizing exposure to factors that can accelerate oxidation, you can extend the lifespan of opened wine bottles and enjoy them at their best for longer.

Wine Type

For red wines, they tend to last a bit longer than white wines due to their higher tannin content and lower susceptibility to oxidation. A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah might retain its flavor for up to a week after opening if stored in the refrigerator with a vacuum seal or inert gas to minimize oxygen exposure.

White wines, particularly lighter varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, may start to lose their freshness and fruity flavors more quickly, typically within 3-4 days after opening. Again, storing them in the fridge and using preservation methods can help extend their shelf life.

How Can You Tell When Wine Has Gone Bad?

Fortunately, there are several simple ways for you to tell if your wine has gone bad:

Oxidization

Oxidation occurs when open wine gets exposed to air for too long, which causes a browning effect on white wines and deepens the colors in red wines. If you notice that your white wine has gotten darker or your red has faded in color, it may have oxidized due to age and poor storage conditions.



Microbial Contamination

Another sign that you have old wine on your hands is mold or yeast growth on the surface or inside your bottle. If you see any fungus growing in your bottle, then it’s time to throw it away!

Cloudiness

An older bottle of white wine may look cloudy due to sediment collection from sedimentary forms of grapes or aged proteins in case proteins condensed during storage time; Red wines may look cloudy due mainly to tannins released from broken down grape skins during storage time. If you notice this happening, you should discard the bottle immediately before consuming it.

How to Prevent Wine From Going Bad

While no wine will last forever, here are some tips that can make them last a couple days longer.

Store It Properly

After opening your wine, recork the bottle tightly or use a wine stopper to seal it. Store the bottle upright to minimize surface area exposed to oxygen. If you have a vacuum pump or inert gas system, use it to remove excess air from the bottle before sealing.

Refrigerate It

Storing opened wine in the refrigerator slows down oxidation and helps preserve its flavors. This is especially important for white, rosé, and sparkling wines, as well as lighter-bodied reds. Just remember to take the wine out and let it warm up to the appropriate serving temperature before drinking.

Use Smaller Containers

Transferring leftover wine to smaller containers, such as half-bottles or even glass jars, reduces the amount of air in contact with the wine, slowing down oxidation. Just make sure the container is clean and airtight.

Improving Your Wine’s Longevity

In a nutshell, yes wine can go bad — but understanding why and how it goes bad can significantly extend the lifespan of opened bottles. By controlling storage conditions and recognizing signs of spoilage like oxidization or microbial contamination, you can maximize freshness and minimize waste. As a bonus, you can use the money you saved on not throwing out gone-bad wine on more new bottles. It’s a win-win!

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Kelly Tobin
Kelly Tobin
Wine
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