Red wine is a favourite for many, but once a bottle is opened, it can be challenging to keep it fresh. Whether you’re savouring an expensive vintage or an everyday bottle, knowing how to store and preserve red wine in your home is key to enjoying its full flavour.
Top Tips To Preserve Red Wine… The Right Way
To learn how to get the most out of your red wine, here are some simple yet effective tips and techniques to help you preserve it.
Store Wine Properly Before Opening
Before even opening a bottle of red wine, proper storage is crucial. Wine should be kept in a cool, dark place where temperatures are stable. The ideal temperature for storing red wine is between 12-18°C (55-65°F).
Avoid places with direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, such as kitchens or near appliances. Lay the bottles on their sides to keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing air to seep in.
Use the Right Tools
Investing in the right tools can make a huge difference in preserving your red wine. A good-quality wine stopper or vacuum pump can help reseal the bottle, reducing the wine’s exposure to air.
Wine preservers work by removing air from the bottle or adding a layer of inert gas, both of which slow down oxidation. These tools are relatively inexpensive and can extend the life of your wine for several days.
Put it in a Wine Fridge After Opening
Although typically served at room temperature, putting red wine in a wine fridge after opening can help preserve its flavour. The cooler temperature slows down the oxidation process, which is what causes wine to spoil.
Once you’ve resealed the bottle with a stopper, place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to drink it again, take it out and let it warm up to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Pour the Wine into Smaller Bottles
If you have a half-empty bottle of wine, consider transferring it to a smaller bottle. The less air in contact with the wine, the slower the oxidation process. Smaller bottles allow you to reduce the amount of oxygen that can affect the remaining wine. Make sure to use clean bottles and seal them tightly. This method is especially useful if you plan on saving the wine for a few more days.
Use Tested and Proven Wine Preserver Products
Several products on the market are designed specifically to preserve wine. Argon gas spray, for instance, can be sprayed into the bottle before resealing it. Argon is heavier than air, creating a protective layer over the wine and preventing oxidation. Wine preservation systems are another option, offering advanced technology to keep your wine fresh for weeks.
Limit Any Light Shining on Your Bottles
Light, particularly sunlight and fluorescent light, can degrade wine. Ultraviolet rays can cause the wine to age prematurely, altering its taste and aroma. Once you’ve opened a bottle, store it in a dark place away from light sources. If you don’t have a wine cellar or a wine fridge, a cupboard or a wine rack in a shaded area will suffice.
Be Mindful of the Time
Even with the best preservation techniques, opened red wine will not last indefinitely. Typically, red wine can be kept for three to five days after opening, depending on the type and how well it’s been preserved.
Lighter red wines, like Pinot Noir, tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to heavier reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. Be mindful of how long the wine has been open and trust your senses; if it smells or tastes off, it’s best to discard it.
In Roundup
Preserving red wine is about minimising its exposure to air, light, and fluctuating temperatures. By storing it properly, using the right tools, and keeping it cool, you can extend the life of your wine and enjoy every drop.
These simple techniques ensure that each glass of red wine is as enjoyable as the first, making your wine experience more pleasurable and less wasteful.
