The Best Ways to Store an Open Bottle of Wine
Ensure your wine tastes great longer with these tips
Forgive us if you took one look at the title of this post and laughed out loud; we understand that for a lot of folks, once a bottle of wine is opened, there is little chance there will be any left. But on the rare occasion that you and your guests have had your fill and you realize there’s wine leftover, you definitely don’t want to waste it.
First of all, why does wine go stale?
The culprit is oxidation. At first, oxygen is often good for wine. This is why people are encouraged to swirl it in their glasses or ‘let it breathe’ once it is opened; oxygen releases flavors and aromas. However, when wine gets too much oxygen for too long, it degrades. It becomes bitter and eventually it will turn into vinegar. You only really have two or three days to enjoy a bottle once it’s opened.
How to keep your wine as fresh as possible
Put that cork back in
This one may seem obvious, but the quicker you get that cork in, the sooner you can slow down the oxidation process. Make sure it is in nice and tight.
Stick it in the fridge
A common mistake people make with open wine is leaving it out. Once you put the cork back in, you can put the bottle in the refrigerator. The cold temperatures will further help limit the impact of oxidation.
Pour it into a smaller container
The two previous measures can preserve wine, but all of that extra air in the bottle contains oxygen, and we know what oxygen does to open wine. This is why if you have an empty half-bottle sitting around, pour it in. An even better option is a mason jar with its airtight lid.
Try this fancy device
If you constantly find yourself with open bottles of wine, it may be time to invest in a Coravin. This contraption uses a needle to pierce the cork and then sends argon gas into the bottle. You can pour however much you like and then take out the needle. At that point the cork seals naturally, so you will not have to worry about that pesky oxygen getting in.
No matter if it’s your favorite bottle of inexpensive wine or perhaps something you’ve splurged on, you do not want to squander any of it. The above tips will help you enjoy it longer. And if you’re looking to try something new, come join us at Orange Coast Winery. We have a great selection of wines you’re sure to want to take home. And whether you finish a bottle in one sitting or not is up to you.