Once opened, wine starts to meet oxygen. At first this helps it open up, then the aroma fades and the taste turns flat. How quickly depends on the style.
How long
- Sparkling: 1-2 days with a proper sparkling wine stopper.
- Light whites and rosés: 2-3 days in the fridge.
- Full-bodied whites and reds: 3-5 days.
- Fortified wines: from a few weeks to a month or more.
How to make it last
The main thing is to close the bottle and put it in the fridge, even a red: the cold slows oxidation. Before serving, a red only needs half an hour at room temperature. A vacuum stopper with a pump wins a couple of extra days.
If the wine has tired
A wine that has lost its aroma is not harmful. It can still go into a sauce, a risotto or a slow-cooked stew.
