Thankfully, there are ways to slow this process down.
What Is Wine?
Simply put, wine is the fermented juice of grapes.
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Does Wine Go Bad?
Yes, wine can go bad.
There are several reasons that wine can spoil including improper storage, contamination, and other factors.
What Happens When Wine Spoils?
The most common cause of wine going bad is oxidation.
Opened Bottles
Recork or cap bottles immediately after pouring.
Cool temperatures slow the oxidation process, so we recommend refrigerating both red and white wines after opening.
As a general rule, bottles that are opened then chilled will last about 1 week.
Stand them upright in the refrigerator to minimize surface area.
For longer storage, it’s possible for you to purchase a vacuum-sealing wine saver.
This gear will remove the air from an opened bottle and secure the seal to prevent oxidation.
Unopened Bottles
Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark area away from sunlight.
The optimal temperature range for wine storage is 45F to 65F.
Avoid temperature fluctuations, which can result in premature aging or loss of flavor.
If the cork becomes too dry, air could get inside the bottle and cause the wine to spoil.
Since this does not affect screwcap bottles, those may be stored either horizontally or vertically.
Most wines are meant to be consumed within 1 to 5 years.
