How to Store Dessert & Fortified Wines (A Complete Guide)
If you like your wine with a hint of sweetness, dessert wines are a dream come true for you! The fact is that properly preserving dessert wines is not nearly as difficult as many people believe it to be. Let’s have a look at the best ways to preserve dessert and fortified wines to ensure that they last as long as possible while maintaining their optimal quality. Dessert wines should be kept at 55° F, with humidity levels about 70%, away from direct sunshine, resting flat with the labels facing up, and away from heat and light.
Dessert wine, in the world of wine, is a sweet wine that is offered as an accompaniment to dessert, or it can even be served as dessert itself.
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On this page, you’ll discover my suggestions for wines coolers, decanters, and wine aerators, as well as information on where to buy wine online.
Different Types of Dessert Wines
There are hundreds of different varieties of dessert wines available, each with a varied level of sweetness, but the majority will fall into one of five categories:
Sparkling Dessert Wine
Interesting thing about sparkling dessert wine is that it has a flavor that is less sweet than it is in reality. This is due to the high levels of acidity and carbonation in the water. Consider the following terms when you’re out shopping for sparkling dessert wines and reading the labels:
- Demi-sec: off-dry (French)
- Amabile: slightly sweet (Italian)
- Semi Secco: off-dry (Italian)
- Doux: sweet (French)
- Demi-sec: off-dry (French)
- Demi-sec: off-dry (Italian)
- Amabile: slightly sweet (I Dolce/Dulce means sweet in Italian and Spanish
- Moelleux means sweet in French.
If you’re storing sparkling dessert wine in the kitchen refrigerator, the high sugar content will ensure that these wines will be drinking for two to three weeks after they’ve been opened. Please see this helpful post I made for a comprehensive guide on storing and serving sparkling wines the proper way:
Lightly Sweet Dessert Wine
It’s light and refreshingly sweet, and it pairs well with fruit-based sweets. Keeping a mildly sweet dessert wine in the refrigerator for up to three weeks is good, as previously said; nevertheless, it is always important to note that after five days, the taste profile of the wine is susceptible to degradation.
Richly Sweet Dessert Wine
To properly store dessert wines, it is necessary to understand how they are prepared, especially if they are extremely sweet. Several of these wines may age for more than 50 years since they are prepared with the best quality grapes and in an unfortified manner. The sweetness and acidity of these grapes are responsible for preserving their vibrant flavor and aroma.
A number of these wines, including some of the most well-known, are created in styles that you may have heard of but aren’t entirely sure what they mean. Some of these styles are explored in further depth farther down the page.
- Late Harvest: When grapes are harvested late in the season, they have been on the vine for a longer period of time. They get sweeter and more raisin-like as time goes on, resulting in a concentrated sweetness. Late harvest wines can be made from any grape that has been left on the vine. Infected fruits and vegetables are susceptible to Noble Rot, which is caused by a kind of spore called Botrytis cinerea. While this might not seem particularly appealing, it is a delicious way to infuse sweet wines with the distinct aromas of ginger, saffron, and honey. Eiswein (Ice Wine) is a type of wine made from ice. True ice wine is extremely difficult to come by and is quite pricey. It can only be produced after a vineyard has frozen over. Furthermore, ice wine must be collected and pressed while the grapes are still frozen to ensure proper fermentation. Many are manufactured in Canada
When it comes to storing intensely sweet dessert wines, the particular mold stated above ensures that the wines are oxygenated throughout the production process. These wines will stay between one and three months in a kitchen refrigerator after being opened.
Sweet Red Wine
Except for the low-cost, commercially produced sweet reds, the majority of varieties are in decline. Some, on the other hand, continue to be popular and fascinating.
- In Italy, lambrusco is a sparkling wine that is produced in both sweet and dry styles, and has fruity tastes of blueberry and raspberry. Brachetto d’ Acqui: Brachetto d’ Acqui is an Italian word that means “bracelet of Acqui.” With scents of strawberry and flowery notes, this wine from the Piedmont region of France is a popular choice among wine enthusiasts.
Sweet red wines can be stored in the kitchen refrigerator for up to two weeks after they have been opened.
Fortified Wines
Fortified wines are produced by adding grape brandy to a wine, and they can be either dry or sweet in flavor. The majority of fortified wines have a higher alcohol concentration (17-20 percent ). Fortified wines should be kept under the following conditions: A higher alcohol concentration allows for a longer shelf life of three to four weeks after they have been opened, which allows for more enjoyment (stored in the refrigerator).
Storing Dessert Wine Unopened
Dessert wines, like any other sort of wine, must be kept in the right manner.
Temperature range
When it comes to wine preservation, heat is the most formidable adversary. Temperatures greater than 70° F will cause wine to mature more quickly than is desirable. It is possible that your wine will get “cooked” if the temperature rises over this point, resulting in flat and lifeless tastes. It is recommended that the temperature range be between 45° F and 65° F, however this is not a precise science in itself. 55 degrees Fahrenheit is frequently referred to as the “ideal” temperature.
Humidity
According to one idea, dry air will dry up the corks in your dessert wine, allowing air to enter the bottle and causing the wine to get stale. While this does occur, it is unlikely that it will occur in your location unless you live in a desert or polar climate with extreme temperatures. Humidity levels ranging from 50 to 80 percent are regarded to be safe. Place a pan of water in your storage space to help keep the environment cleaner. Extremely moist circumstances, on the other hand, might encourage mold growth.
In this instance, a dehumidifier will be an excellent solution for resolving the issue.
Bottle Orientation
The angle at which you store the bottle might have an influence on how long it will keep for you to use it. When air seeps into a wine bottle, it can have a detrimental impact on the flavor and cause the wine to lose its freshness, among other things. In this situation, it is more difficult for air to permeate the cork since the liquid is pressing up on it. Store the dessert wine either semi-horizontally or at a 45° angle to the ground with the cork facing the ground, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Theriddling rack for horizontal storage – some pointers Some people may appreciate the historical significance and “conversation piece” quality of an ariddling rack, which is used to keep bottles stocked at the proper angle.
During the process of “riddling,” bottles were rotated from horizontal to vertical over a period of days, pushing the sediment into the bottle neck to make it simpler to remove when it was time to do so.
They can be quite a conversation starter, and they are an excellent method to keep the bottle kept in a horizontal position. It is possible to hold the wine bottle in a number of positions depending on how you tilt the wine bottle stand.
Avoiding Light
Always store any bottle of wine away from direct sunlight, especially if it is a fine wine. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation can damage and prematurely age a dessert wine if it is exposed to them. Many wine bottles are made of dark glass, which helps to keep the light out of the bottle while it is open. In ideal circumstances, a bottle of dessert wine will be kept in a dark or dimly lighted environment. It is for this reason that wine vaults are becoming increasingly popular. Because the majority of us do not have access to a wine cellar, a dark closet will suffice in this situation.
Kitchen Fridge
Dessert wines may be safely stored in the refrigerator of your home kitchen for a few months, but only for that period of time. It is not advisable to keep the food in the refrigerator for an extended period of time. The normal refrigerator’s temperature falls below 45° F to securely keep perishable items, hence storing perishable foods for more than a few months at this temperature is not recommended. Also, be certain that your dessert wine does not grow too cold before serving (cooling it in the freezer and then forgetting it or storing in an unheated garage in winter).
Vibration
There are other hypotheses that vibration can cause long-term harm to dessert wines by speeding up some of the chemical processes that occur in the wine over time. Your wine, on the other hand, should be alright while it is being stored unless you live near a railway station or a location where loud music is played all of the time. While there are some wine collectors who are concerned about the vibrations created by electrical equipment, there is no evidence to back up this concern. It is more important to be concerned about vibrations since they have the potential to stir up sediments that should be at the bottom of your dessert wine bottle.
How Much to Invest in Wine Storage
It’s important to note that the majority of wines should be consumed within a few years after their release. If you are wanting to make a long-term investment in dessert wines that you intend to age, you should consider investing in professional-grade storage. A excellent thing to ask yourself is how much money you spent on wine in the previous year. It’s possible that a $1,000 cooling unit represents less than 25% of your yearly wine-purchasing expenditure, in which case you might consider investing in a professional-grade wine storage unit.
The price will, of course, vary based on the features you choose.
Controlling the humidity is also beneficial. Finding a unit that is quieter may be more expensive, and as with any purchase, the quality of the materials may vary depending on the price (for example, aluminum shelves versus plastics ones).
How Long Should Dessert Wines be Stored?
Dessert wines that can be preserved for a long period of time and for a short period of time– Dessert wines, as previously said, can be stored in the kitchen refrigerator for a few months if they have not been opened. Following that, the temperature will actually be too cool for long-term storage, necessitating the use of a wine refrigerator. When you implement the following notion to your wine storage, you will have a better experience: As previously said, it is more vital to focus on preventing extreme temperature variations or swings than it is to concentrate about attaining the precise 55° F.
After your dessert wine has been chilled (or “un” chilled), it is not a good idea to keep it in the refrigerator.
Storing Dessert Wines After Opening
The sweetness of the dessert wine determines how long it will last. For example, a sweet Muscat dessert wine can be stored in a kitchen refrigerator for 5-10 years (unopened) and then for 3-4 weeks (opened) after being opened. The following are the best techniques for extending the life of your wine: For the purpose of extending the shelf life of their wine, several consumers employ vacuum pumps and specific stoppers. The majority of people feel that the seal that is made and the air that is eliminated adequately from the headspace are the keys to producing a superb “leftover wine.” Some wine experts, on the other hand, believe that by blowing out the air, you are also blasting away some of the beautiful aromatics, resulting in a wine that may taste flat the next day after it has been opened.
- The average response time will be two to three weeks.
- Tools to assist you prolong the life of your wine include: In addition to refrigerating opened wine, utilizing an inert gas such as argon can help to extend the shelf life of your dessert wine.
- Iodine is a gas that is denser than oxygen and is found in one percent of the air we breathe.
- Given that argon is far heavier than oxygen, it can serve as a protective barrier for wine, preventing the highly reactive oxygen from reacting with the wine.
Another option for extending the life of the wine is to transfer it to a smaller bottle (after drinking some of it) in order to reduce the amount of oxygen it is exposed to.
Should You Aerate Dessert Wine?
As a general rule, many red wines, as well as certain white wines, require aeration before serving. In the context of wine, this simply implies that the wine must be allowed to breathe. Preparing wines for drinking by exposing them to air/oxygen before to consumption increases the flavor and overall drinking experience. Decanting is sometimes used interchangeably with aerating, however in this case, a winedecanter is used to expose the wine to air as part of the procedure. A decanter may be both a posh and straightforward method of allowing air to circulate through the wine.
- Brandy has been added to vintage ports in order to preserve the wine, which is why they are classified as dessert wines.
- The distinction of having been matured for more than 20 years is held by several antique ports.
- As a general rule, older dessert wines that have been in the bottle for a long period of time will benefit from aeration, whereas dessert wines that have visible sediment at the bottom of the bottle will require decanting.
- The same as with any other wine, sweet wines that are still young will require nothing more than to “open up,” which can be accomplished by simply pouring the wine into a glass or even opening the bottle and allowing it to sit for 15 – 20 minutes before serving.
- The ability to breathe will be required for sweet dessert wines that are moretannic (tannin may be a bitter astringent in wines that are young and have not had time to mellow with age).
- An hour is generally sufficient time to allow the tannins in a red powerful dessert wine to relax and allow it to be appreciated.
- Wines.com has a sweet wine selection.
Shelf Life and Storage of Dessert Wine
In general, aeration is required for many red wines as well as some white wines. Basically, this implies that the wine needs to be allowed to breath. Prior to drinking, exposing wines to air/oxygen enhances the flavor and overall drinking experience by bringing out the best in them. When it comes to wine, decanting is sometimes used interchangeably with aerating; however, in this case, a winedecanter is really used to expose the wine to air. An elegant and easy approach to allow air to circulate around the wine is through the use of a decanter.
- Wines classified as vintage ports are sweet dessert wines that have had brandy added to them in order to preserve the wine.
- The distinction of having been matured for more than two decades is held by several antique ports.
- As a general rule, older dessert wines that have been in the bottle for a long period of time will benefit from aeration, whereas dessert wines that have visible sediment at the bottom of the bottle will require decantation.
- As with other wines, sweet wines that are still relatively young will require nothing more than to “open up,” which may be accomplished by simply pouring the wine into a glass or by opening the bottle and allowing it to sit for 15 – 20 minutes before drinking.
- The opportunity to breathe will be required for sweet dessert wines that are moretannic (tannin may be a bitter astringent in wines that are young and have not had time to mellow with age).
- An hour is generally sufficient time to allow the tannins in a red powerful dessert wine to soften and allow it to be consumed.
The following are some references for this article: 5 Different Types of Dessert Wine Folly of the Vine Wine Spectator reports on the health effects of argon gas. www.wines.com/sweet-wine/
Temperature
The temperature of the location where you select to keep your wine is quite crucial and allows little room for error if you want to ensure that your bottle of wine has the longest possible shelf life. In accordance with the Basic Wine Knowledge website, wine that has been exposed to incorrect temperatures for merely a few weeks might be compromised. No matter if you are storing red wine or white wine or dessert wine or another sort of wine, 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit is the best storage temperature for all types of wine.
A temperature variation of more than five degrees Celsius has the potential to allow outside air into the bottle, reducing its freshness.
Light
Direct sunlight has been shown to significantly reduce the shelf life of wine. Never leave your dessert wine out in the sun or in any other location where it will receive an excessive amount of light. In order to prevent light out of the bottle, many wine bottles are fashioned with dark-tinted glass. In an ideal situation, a bottle of wine will be kept in the dark or under dim lighting. A wine cellar is an excellent place to store your wine for this reason.
Angle
Believe it or not, the angle at which you store a bottle of wine may have a big impact on the shelf life of the wine as well as the flavor of the wine that is produced. Ventilation can degrade the flavor of a wine bottle and cause the wine to lose its freshness if air is allowed to enter the bottle. When the liquid within the wine bottle is pressing up on the cork, it makes it more difficult for air to get through the cork and into the bottle. Therefore, it is advised that all wines be stored either horizontally or at a 45-degree inclination, with the cork pointing downward.
Air
It is critical to keep air out, but you will never be able to completely seal the space. It is possible that some air will infiltrate the cork and make its way into your wine. If you want to reduce the impact of the air on the flavor of the wine, you should only keep it in an area with good air circulation. A musty-smelling cellar might result in musty-tasting wine, even years after the wine was stored there. Places where the air quality is bad or where there is a strong odor should not be utilized as wine storage spaces since the air quality might impair the quality of your bottle.
Should you refrigerate dessert wine?
Maintaining an airtight seal is critical, but no amount of effort can ever be sufficient. Most likely, some air will seep through the cork and into your wine. The only area where you should keep wine that has clean air is if you want to limit the impact of the air on the flavor of the wine.
A musty-smelling basement might result in musty-tasting wine years later if the wine is not properly stored and maintained. Poor-quality or strongly scented air should not be utilized for wine storage since the air quality and odor will degrade the quality of your bottle of wine.
What’s the Best Temperature to Store my Wines?
- The ideal temperature for storing my wines is what I’d want to know in my journal.
The short answer is that if you want to eat your wine within six months after purchase, it is recommended that you store your wine in the manner shown in the following illustration:
- Light, dry white wines and sparkling wines are best served at 40-50 degrees. 60 degrees: full-bodied white wines and light fruity red wines
- 50 degrees: rosé wine. Temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit: full-bodied red wines and port wine
The best approach, on the other hand, is to maintain adequate wine cellar climate management, as this will best conserve the wine until it reaches the optimal age for consumption at the time of purchase. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of recommended serving temps for individual wine varietals. 06/12/2020
Red wine temperature storage.
The temperature of red wine is affected by a variety of factors, including the amount of fruit, alcohol, and tannin in the wine. According to the Wine Guardian website:
- The following temperatures are appropriate: sweet sparkling wine (39-43°F)
- Eiswein (42-44°F)
- Crémant (non-vintage Classic Rosé) – 42-45°F
- Muscat New World – 43-46°F
- Beaujolais (48-52°F)
- Tawny Port (chilled) – 50-54°F
- Côtes du Rhône (chilled) – 53-56°F
- Chianti, Sangio The following wines are best served at 56-58°F: Young Bordeaux, Young Cab – 58-61°F
- Merlot, Light Zinfandel – 58-62°F
- Tawny Port – 59-62°F
- Red Burgundy Pinot Noir Chianti Riserva Barolo – 56-58°F Bordeaux, California Cab, Rhone, Zinfandel, and Vintage Port are all best served at 61-63°F
- Grand Cru Bordeaux, Mature California Cab, Rhone, Zinfandel, and Vintage Port are best served at 61-64°F.
White wine temperature storage.
Although white wine should generally be served at a colder temperature than red wine, it does not need to be stored at a cooler temperature because it will impact the fragrances. According to the Wine Guardian website:
- Temps for Sweet Sparkling Wine: 39-43°F
- Eiswein and Sweet Vouvray: 42-44°F
- Crémant, non-vintage Classic Rosé: 42-45°F
- Vintage Sparkling Wine: 43-46°F
- Nouveau French Chablis, Chardonnay, White Burgundy, Viognier, Condrieu: 48-52°F
- Côtes du Rhône: 53-60°F
- Temps for Full-Bodie
Temperature consistency.
Champagne, Eiswein, and Sweet Vouvray – 42-44°F; Crémant, non-vintage Classic Rosé, White Zinfandel – 42-45°F; Vintage Champagne, Muscat New World, Riesling Gewürztraminer, Loire Valley Whites (Sancerre), Sauvignon Blanc, Alsace Riesling, Italian Whites – 43-46°F; Nouveau French Chablis, Chardonnay, White Burgundy, Viognier
Temperature subjectivity.
In the same way that science and chemistry are important in wine, personal choice is important as well. Thus, if you question a group of wine enthusiasts about the temperatures at which they keep their wine, the replies will likely range. Individual taste can be quite subjective, for example, some people like wine that has been matured to allow them to appreciate secondary tastes, while others prefer a fresher, cleaner wine. The difference between storage temperature and drinking temperature has already been explained, so make sure you conduct your own study on your own wines first.
What would you like to create?
Let’s chat about your vision for the future. Together, we will design a bespoke wine cellar that represents your own style and heritage, whether it is a cellar, a room, or a whole wall.
Wine Storage Temperature Guide – Wineware.co.uk
Return to the Wine Refrigeration page.
- Red wine should be stored at 12 degrees Celsius, white wine at 8 degrees Celsius, and champagne at 5 degrees Celsius. Wine cellars and wine freezers designed specifically for the purpose of storing wine give the greatest conditions for storing wine. Wine should be kept in a dark, vibration-free environment with a relative humidity of less than 70%.
It is important to keep wine at the proper temperature in order to maintain the flavor and balance of the wine. If you don’t want a wine to age prematurely or be destroyed by its storage circumstances, it’s critical to understand the best wine storage temperatures and conditions for your bottles of wine before you buy them. Extreme temperature variations are the most common cause of wine deterioration. You may avoid this by using Wineware’s ‘Wine Storage Temperature Guide,’ which gives useful advice on how to keep your bottles of wine at the optimal storage temperature.
Our helpful wine storage tips might be of assistance!
Wine storage options
When it comes to storing your bottles of wine safely and securely, there are three primary options:
- Wine cellars are the best method to keep your wine bottles since they are temperature and humidity managed to perfection. Wine cellars are a cost-effective alternative for keeping wine, and they may be customized to suit the needs of each individual homeowner. It is possible to organize your wine bottles in a variety of ways, such as by wine area, such as France with Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, and other French regions, or by grape variety. Another method of arranging wine is by vintage
- If you have a collection of a certain wine, arrange them in numerical order in your cellar (vertical collection). Wine bottle neck tags come in helpful for noting down the most important information about your bottle of wine, including the name and date on the front (with additional information written on the reverse). A makeshift closet wine cellar is an excellent option for wine connoisseurs and collectors. It is a simple and basic method of storing your wine bottles in any size area (small or large) in your home or apartment. You may find step-by-step instructions and videos on how to build your own improvised closet wine cellar on the internet. Your walk-in wardrobe, cupboard, or room can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind wine cellar by following these simple steps! This alternative, on the other hand, does not include a temperature control. The convenience of a makeshift closet wine cellar is ideal for the occasional drinker, but it is not as effective as long-term storage. A wine cabinet or refrigerator is a dependable way to keep your wine bottles at the proper temperature, and they are a good investment for wine specialists and wine retailers. Wine cabinets and refrigerators are available in a range of sizes to accommodate collections of various sizes.
Ideal wine storage conditions
- Store wine away from anything that has a strong, pungent fragrance since this might cause the wine and cork to get contaminated. It is desirable to have good ventilation in your wine storage facility since this prevents musty odors from entering the wine
- Wine is best stored in a dark and vibration-free environment. It is recommended that you should not stir bottles of wine too much or aggressively since this might cause the wine to get spoiled. Direct sunlight or a fluorescent light bulb should be avoided while storing wine since they can affect the flavor of the wine. Because of this, it is recommended that you thoroughly cover and wrap any bottles that cannot be kept shielded from light. This will provide better protection. Alternative storage methods include placing the wine bottle inside a cardboard box
- Humidity is critical to the preservation of the wine. If the relative humidity is too high, mould can flourish and the wine bottle labels will become loose and disintegrate, creating the ideal environment for mould to thrive. As a result, it is recommended that the relative humidity does not exceed 70%. A thermohygrometer may be used to monitor humidity levels, which can be used to evaluate whether or not it is necessary to humidify or dehumidify the air. Installing a dehumidifier in the area will allow you to manage the moisture levels in the space.
Optimal wine storing temperatures
Wineware has offered this information as a general reference to assist you in storing your wine; however, please keep in mind that this is not the case for all wines and should only be used as a rough guide in general. The ideal temperature for a wine is determined by a variety of elements, including the amount of fruit, alcohol, and tannin in the wine. According to conventional guidelines, wine should be kept at a temperature of 11-14 degrees Celsius (52-57 degrees Fahrenheit). Wine storage temperatures should never be higher than 24 degrees Celsius since doing so causes the wine to oxidize, which has a detrimental effect on the wine.
For a bottle of wine to age properly, it must be kept at a consistent temperature throughout the year. Wineware has given the tables below to assist you in determining the optimal storage temperature for your wine. Wineware (click hereto download PDF).
Ideal storage temperature for wine
Wine | Temperature (˚F) | Temperature (˚C) |
---|---|---|
Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Burgundy, Barbaresco, Barbera, Barolo, Brunello, Recioto, Malbec | 63˚F | 17˚C |
Shiraz, Zinfandel, Grand Cru Bordeaux, Ribera del Duero, Carmenere | 64˚F | 18˚C |
Vintage Port, Banyuls, Madeira | 66˚F | 19˚C |
Light-to-medium-bodied reds
Wine | Temperature (˚F) | Temperature (˚C) |
Beaujolais | 54˚F | 12˚C |
Young Spanish and Portuguese Wines | 55˚F | 13˚C |
Chinon, Sherry, Tawny Port | 57˚F | 14˚C |
Light Zinfandels, Chianti | 59˚F | 15˚C |
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Rioja, Bordeaux (Young) | 61˚F | 16˚C |
Dry whites
Wine | Temperature (˚F) | Temperature (˚C) |
Alsace Riesling, Italian Whites, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pouilly Fume, Pouilly Fuissé, Gruner Veltliner | 46˚F | 8˚C |
Chenin Blanc, Bordeaux Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc | 48˚F | 9˚C |
Chardonnay | 50˚F | 10˚C |
Condrieu, White Burgundy | 52˚F | 11˚C |
Full-bodied Chardonnay and Graves | 54˚F | 12˚C |
Sparkling wines and sweet wines
Wine | Temperature (˚F) | Temperature (˚C) |
Asti spumante, Cava | 41˚F | 5˚C |
Non-vintage Champagne and Sparkling Wine | 43˚F | 6˚C |
Sweet Vouvray, Tavel, White Zinfandel, Barsac, Icewine, Tokaji, Sauternes, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Sake | 45˚F | 7˚C |
Vintage Champagne, Muscats, Riesling (New World) and Sparkling Wine | 46˚F | 8˚C |
How long can wine be stored?
The importance of storing wine for the right period of time should not be underestimated. “All wines become better with age.” Not all wines improve with age, and in general, cheap wines do not improve with age. Red wines may be kept for between 2 and 10 years on average, depending on the amount of sugar, acid, and tannin in the wine. Many superb red wines may be matured for up to 100 years under the right conditions. White wines, on the other hand, are often only kept for two to three years at a time.
Useful wine storing tips/advice
- It is best to store your wine horizontally in order to maintain the cork moist and reduce the likelihood of the cork drying and shrinking, enabling air to enter your bottle of wine. Plastic guards and cellar sleeves can be used to protect the labels on wine bottle corks. These are particularly beneficial in damp or moist storage environments. Make sure when you serve your wine, you change the temperature, allowing the wine to rise or fall to the optimum temperature. If you want further information on the optimal serving temperature for wine, please see Wineware’s ‘Perfect Drinking Temperature for Wine Guide’. Do not keep a bottle of wine in the freezer since this will be damaging to the wine and might also cause damage if the wine was to freeze and expand, therefore possibly causing the bottle to shatter
- Most essential, start collecting and storing bottles of wine that you enjoy drinking! Bottle collecting may be a fun pastime, and with the right storage solution, you can get the most out of your wine bottle collection.
In the event that you require any more information or advice on storing your wine bottles (or other size bottles), please do not hesitate to contact us or refer to our helpful wine storage recommendations. Wineware also includes a ‘Perfect Drinking Temperature for Wine Guide’ to assist you in getting the most out of your wine by serving it at the optimal temperature for consumption.
How Long Does Wine Last After You Open It?
Jennifer is a wine enthusiast who enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She has been in the wine industry for two years, and she has been in the restaurant sector for more than ten years.How long a bottle of wine lasts once it has been opened is determined by a few primary elements. The type of wine, the quantity of residual sugar in it, and the manner in which it was stored are all important considerations. Sugar, which works as a natural preservative, has a significant impact on the preservation of wine quality.
There are three elements that will cause wine to go bad much more quickly: air, light, and heat.
Wine that has not been opened should be kept in a cold, dark area.
It is only a disadvantage of storing red wine in the refrigerator that it will need to be warmed back to room temperature (or near to room temperature) before it can be consumed.
White and Rose Wine
If white and rose wines are stored properly, they will generally last between five and seven days after being opened, depending on the varietal. As a result of oxidation, you may notice that the taste changes somewhat after the first day. It occurs when oxygen comes into contact with alcohol and causes a chemical process in wine known as oxidation. The fruit notes in wine will fade over time, but it will still be enjoyable for up to a week after opening. A full-bodied white may not survive as long as a lighter-bodied white since they tend to oxidize more quickly.
This is due to the fact that sugar is a natural preservative. It is possible for sweet wines to last for several weeks, depending on how much sugar is in the blend.
Light-Bodied Red Wine
The majority of lighter-bodied and table reds will last three to five days in the fridge. This is due to the fact that lighter red wines contain lower levels of acidity and tannin, which aid in the natural preservation of the wine. If you expect to eat the wine within a day or two after opening it, light reds should be stored in the refrigerator.
Full-Bodied Red Wine
A higher level of acidity and tannin is found in full-bodied red wines, which helps to organically preserve the wine by delaying the aging process. It is for this reason that a full-bodied red wine can be kept for up to a week or even longer. Some wines will really increase in quality the day after they are first opened. Storage of red wine in a cellar or the refrigerator will allow it to survive longer once it has been opened.
Read More From Delishably
After it has been opened, sparkling wine will only survive two to three days at the most. It’s possible that the wine may still be drinkable after three days, but it will have lost its carbonation. During the first 24 hours after opening, sparkling wine will be at its finest. This is due to the fact that as soon as the bottle is opened, the carbonation begins to deplete. A helpful idea is to keep the bottle upright in your refrigerator and use a quality champagne cork to keep the bubbles in. If at all possible, avoid laying it on its side when storing.
Fortified and Dessert Wine
Fortified wines, such as port and sherry, have a substantially longer shelf life than other types of wine. They have a shelf life of many months if properly stored. Some believe it might take months or even years. Madeira and Marsala wines have a long shelf life and never go bad. This is due to the fact that they have already been oxidized and fried. In addition, due of the high concentration of sugar in dessert wines, they may be stored for much longer periods. Sugar aids in the preservation of the wine by acting as a natural preservative.
If you store it in the refrigerator, it will last the longest, much like other varieties of wine.
How to Tell if Wine Has Gone Bad
The first thing you’ll notice when a bottle of wine has gone bad is a shift in coloration. Pour a tiny bit of the wine into a transparent glass and take a close look at the contents of that glass. The hue of red wine will begin to become brownish (unless its a fortified wine which is already aged and brownish in color). Take note that full-bodied, mature reds will have a faint brown tinge to them, which is very natural. It is possible to tell when white wine is starting to go bad by the color of the wine changing from light white to golden.
- White wine should be transparent, therefore if it does not appear to be translucent, you may be sure that something is wrong.
- Depending on how poor the wine is, you may detect a nasty odor that was not present previously.
- You could even sense an earthy or barnyard odor when walking about (in some varietals like Baco Noir and Marechel Foch, this is normal).
- A good wine should be able to recognize when something is wrong with it in terms of flavor.
The strong or sour flavor of the wine, which appears out of proportion with the other components, will most likely indicate that the wine has begun to deteriorate. You may also note that the fruit flavors have become a little duller, or that the wine has become flat.
How to Prevent Wine From Going Bad
There are a few things you can do to keep your opened wine fresher for a longer period of time. First and foremost, you should make certain that your wine is correctly corked. While the dry side of the cork may be simpler to re-insert into the bottle, it is preferable to utilize the side of the cork that was in the bottle before it was opened to ensure the greatest results. It is possible that the dry side of the cork has been contaminated, which will taint the wine you are attempting to salvage.
- Bottles of wine stored on their sides are exposed to greater amounts of air and will oxidize more quickly as a result of the increased exposure.
- The cold will also assist to keep the wine fresher for a longer period of time.
- Make sure the container you’re using is completely filled with wine and that the lid is securely fastened.
- Because it is not in contact with oxygen, the wine will last for a longer time.
- The Wine Squirrel is a decanter that, after you’ve poured your wine into it, forms an airtight seal.
- As a result, you may keep it on its side without worrying about it leaking.
What is the ideal temperature to store and serve wine?
The following topics are covered: Home/Wine knowledge/What is the optimal temperature for storing and serving wine? In most cases, red wine is served at room temperature and white wine is served directly from the refrigerator. Is this, however, correct? I’m not sure how you feel about it, but this all seems a little hazy to me. What exactly does the term “room temperature” mean? Is it ever a good idea to put red wine in ice? What is the significance of serving temperature? A more scientific approach to wine temps will reveal that there is a Goldilocks zone for every type – not too hot and not too cold – when it comes to serving temperature.
Remember, you would never offer cooled chips or warm ice cream at a party.
The Goldilocks effect: optimal wine serving temperatures
Different styles of wine need a variety of different conditions. Some of our favorites (listed in descending order from hotter to coolest) are as follows:
Wine variety | Serving temperature |
Vintage Port, Madeira | 19˚C |
Bordeaux, Shiraz | 18˚C |
Red Burgundy, Cabernet | 17˚C |
Rioja, Pinot Noir | 16 ˚C |
Chianti, Zinfandel | 15 ˚C |
Beaujolais, Rosé | 12˚C |
Viognier, Sauternes | 11˚C |
Chardonnay | 9 ˚C |
Riesling | 8 ˚C |
Champagne, sparkling wines, dessert wines | 7 ˚C |
Full-bodied red wines tend to taste best when served at temperatures near to room temperature – but keep in mind that ‘room temperature’ does not always refer to the temperature of the room in which you are serving the wine at the time. As a result, if at all possible, cool them to the temperatures listed above.
White wine is typically served chilled in order to maintain its proper temperature. It’s always a good idea to double-check the specific criteria before drinking from your chosen bottle. For your convenience, the nice folks at Wine Folly have provided the following yardstick:
Storage and serving suggestions
It might be difficult to find the precise sweet spot every time, especially if you don’t live in a prominent château like the one seen above. However, even if you don’t have access to a wine cellar, there are still methods to serve and preserve wine.
Wine storage temperature
Its main structure and cellar have been fashioned out of the calcareous rock wall. This ensures that the temperature is maintained at all times. Even though we cannot rule out the possibility that 90s pop songs had an impact on Pinot Noir, temperature swings do appear to have an effect on the structure and flavor of the wine over time. As a matter of fact, if the wine is over-chilled, the aging process can actually slow down, altering the fragrance and flavor of the finished product. Keeping wine at room temperature when storing and serving it reduces the likelihood of these problems occurring.
The following temperatures, on the other hand, are appropriate for storing wine that will be used within a short period of time:
- Red wine should be served between 12 and 19 degrees Celsius
- White wine should be served between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius
- Sparkling wine should be served between 5-8 degrees Celsius.
Avoid serving the wine at temperatures higher than 25 degrees Celsius, since this may result in the wine becoming “cooked” and developing a raisin-y, stewed flavor. In addition, there is:
- Ideally, wine should be stored in specialist wine refrigerators. A excellent wine refrigerator will be divided into three sections: reds, whites, and sparkling wine. A cold cellar or a room with modest air conditioning might also help to maintain a steady temperature. The most important thing to avoid is temperature shocks — sudden swings from chilly to warm temperatures can cause wine to become oxidized. Keeping wine bottles away from heat sources such as heaters and fluorescent lights is an example of proper wine storage practice. Wine that has been shaded is less prone to deteriorate. Wine bottles should be stored horizontally. Using this method, the cork is kept from drying out and air is kept from entering the bottle. Remove and replace a refrigerated bottle of wine only as frequently as necessary. Temperature variations will eventually cause the wine to degrade
- Nonetheless,
Serving tips
- Wine should be decanted to bring it up to room temperature and give it a chance to breathe. Using a combination of ice and cold water, bring the wine down to the ideal serving temperature. Slowly pour a still wine into the center of the glass and a sparkling wine around the side of it to keep the bubbles intact. Take into account the shape of the wine glass you’re using. This has a far more significant impact than you may expect
- Unfinished wine should be stored in an acceptable manner. Wine bottle stoppers are an excellent method to maintain the freshness of your wine.
Better-quality wine may be stored for extended periods of time without losing its flavor. Starting with the correct bottle will make the effort spent learning about precise storage and serving needs worthwhile.
Storing Wine
Temperatures that are too cold or too hot might ruin the flavor of wine. When the temperature is low, the rate of fermentation is slowed, and when the temperature is exceptionally low, the astringency of red wines high in tannic acid is increased. The most desirable locations. Wine should be kept in a cool environment, such as a cellar, a closet, or an empty cabinet. Stay away from high places. Because heat rises, it is not recommended to store wine on the top shelf. Wines that are stored in warmish air mature too rapidly and do not last as long as they should.
- When white wine, rose wine, sparkling wine, and dessert wine are stored in the refrigerator, the flavor and fragrance are lost; nevertheless, the taste is increased when the wine is cooled in the refrigerator for several hours.
- The operation of the bubbles will be slowed after five days due to the chilly temperatures in the refrigerator.
- Changes in temperature can also have an effect on wine, so avoid storing it in a location where the temperature is constantly changing.
- Temperature for Wine Storage.
- Wine may be kept for several months if it is kept in a residence where the temperature is between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 21 degrees Celsius).
- The humidity level for wine storage should be at least 74 percent and no more than 95 percent at all times.
- Mold thrives in environments with high humidity (over 95 percent).
- Wine bottles should be stored horizontally.
- When they swell, they block the passage of air and bacteria into the bottles.
- While in the bottle, wine is able to breathe; vibrations pass through the wine and cause a disagreeable taste to develop.
- In order to avoid vibrations, make sure that there is enough distance between the bottles.
Odor. Wine is extremely sensitive to scents. Storage rooms should be kept free of odor-producing factors in order to boost flavor. Light. Wine that has a musty or flat flavor is encouraged by exposure to sunlight or UV light; in a storage facility, incandescent lighting is ideal.
How to Store Your Wine: The Dos & Don’ts of Wine Storage
Whatever your wine collection consists of (five bottles or 500), you don’t want your wine to go bad or lose its flavor before you get a chance to enjoy it. It’s unfortunate that not all of us wine enthusiasts have the luxury of a personal cellar (if you have, please send us a picture! ), so it’s critical that we understand how to keep our wine fresh until we’re ready to uncork and enjoy it ourselves. If you want to ensure that you are not doing a disservice to your wine collection, follow these five Dos and Don’ts of wine storage:
DO:Keep your wine chilled.
In fact, the normal room temperature is far too warm for both serving and storing your favorite beverage. The higher the ambient temperature, the more quickly the wine will mature and get stale and must be discarded. For those of you who have ever left a bottle of wine in your car during the summer and then puzzled why it tasted like pure alcohol or even a touch vinegar-like, you are well aware of what heat can do to a bottle of wine. Of course, that is an extreme instance, but wines served at room temperature do not have the opportunity to express themselves fully, and so taste duller than wines served refrigerated.
DON’T:Keep your wine in your kitchen fridge long term.
To be honest, most people’s living rooms are far too warm to comfortably serve and keep their wine. If the temperature in the room is too warm, the wine will age and get stale more quickly. For those of you who have ever left a bottle of wine in your car during the summer and then puzzled why it tasted like pure alcohol or even a touch vinegar-like, you are aware of the damage that heat can do to a bottle of wine. Naturally, this is an extreme situation, but wines served at room temperature are unable to express themselves fully, and as a result, taste duller than wines served at chilly temperatures.
DO:Store your wine somewhere convenient.
Although it may be beneficial to the wine, storing it in that upstairs closet, away from dangerous influences, is not a practical or convenient solution. Alternatively, The purpose of wine, whether open or closed, is to serve as a conversation starter and a means of bringing people together. You should save it somewhere handy and easily accessible so that it is always available to be retrieved and accessed when needed.
DON’T:Store your wine on top of your refrigerator.
Although convenience is vital, it is equally necessary to consider how to preserve the wine’s quality intact throughout transport. There are three reasons why keeping your bottles on top of your refrigerator is one of the worst places to store them in your home. I can’t tell you how many households I’ve been into and seen this same situation, but it is one of the worst locations to keep them in your home for three reasons. As a starting point, consider all of the vibrations your refrigerator produces when the compressor cycles on and off, when the ice maker spews out ice, when you use the water dispenser, and so on.
For the second time, your refrigerator generates heat.
Have you ever pressed your hand on the top of your refrigerator?
It’s nice and toasty. Finally, the top of your refrigerator is most likely fairly close to the light fixtures in your home. This may or may not be the case for everyone, but if it is, your wine is in a bad situation. Light bulbs generate a lot of heat, which might cause your wine to age prematurely.
DO:Store your wine on its side.
Cork wetness may be summed up in two words. Maintaining a horizontal position for your bottles, allowing the wine to come into consistent touch with the cork, eliminates the possibility of having “corked” wine.
DON’T:Store your wine upright for long term.
The same reason why it is suggested to store wine on its side is also the reason that it is not recommended to keep wine upright. When your bottle is standing vertically, the wine does not come into contact with the cork. After that, the cork will begin to dry up, resulting in a musty, malodorous wine to be produced. To summarize, it is OK to keep wine upright for a limited period of time, which is why many convenience shops and liquor stores can get away with it because they are counting on the bottles being sold in a fast manner.
DO:Keep your wine at a constant temperature.
Temperature fluctuations, like vibrations, can have a deleterious influence on the age and chemical processes that are taking place in your wine. For this reason, temperature control in wine cellars and wine refrigerators is extremely strict. The optimal temperature is one that is gentle and consistent.
DON’T:Keep your wine at room temperature long term.
As previously noted, room temperature is often too warm for serving wine and also too warm for long-term storage of wine, especially for red wines. In severe circumstances, warm wine can be extremely alcoholic or vinegar-tasting, as well as dull and flat in flavor.
DO:Keep your wine somewhere where viewing and selecting a bottle is easy.
It’s critical to understand what you have in your collection and where you can locate it. Although keeping track of your bottles is beneficial, there is nothing quite like having a clear visual display of all of your bottles.
DON’T:Keep your wine in an area of harsh interior lighting or direct sunlight.
Lighting is a great technique to make selecting and viewing your collection a little bit easier. It is critical to consider the sort of lighting that will be employed. Heat is emitted by standard residential lighting, which, as we now know, is harmful to human health. The sun’s rays and ultraviolet rays are significantly more harmful to your wine. Keep your wine away from windows and other sources of natural light to preserve its freshness. When it comes to light sources, LEDs are your best choice.
Follow these simple instructions, and your wine will be grateful to you.
Recommended Reading:
- Why Wine Serving Temperatures Are Important
- Wine Storage Temperature: How to Keep Your Wine at Its Best
- Why Wine Storage Temperatures Are Important
- The significance of opening your wine in the proper manner How to Select the Most Appropriate Wine Cooler