How long does open wine last? Signs of spoilage and other tips

White wine, often characterized by its crispness and fruity notes, generally has a longer shelf life after opening compared to red wine. On average, an open bottle of white wine can last 5-7 days.
To maximize the freshness of an opened bottle of white wine:
Re-cork or seal tightly: Just like with red wine, ensure a secure seal to minimize oxygen exposure.
Refrigerate: Keep the white wine in the fridge, but remember to let it warm up a bit before serving, as white wines are typically served chilled.
Use wine preservation tools: Vacuum pumps or inert gas systems can be effective in prolonging the life of open white wine.
Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Champagne and other sparkling wines are effervescent and known for their celebratory nature. Once opened, these wines tend to lose their fizz rather quickly, usually within 1-3 days.
To retain the sparkle in open champagne or sparkling wine:
Invest in a champagne stopper: These specialized stoppers are designed to maintain pressure and carbonation in the bottle.
Keep it cold: Refrigerate the opened bottle to slow down carbonation loss. Sparkling wines are best served well-chilled, so there’s no need to worry about temperature adjustments.
Finish it promptly: Unlike still wines, sparkling wines tend to deteriorate more rapidly once opened. It’s best to enjoy them within a day or two.
Signs of Spoilage
It’s essential to be able to recognize when wine has gone bad. Here are some common signs of spoiled wine:
Off-putting odors: If the wine smells like vinegar, wet cardboard, or rotten eggs, it has likely turned.
Unpleasant taste: A wine that tastes overly sour, bitter, or flat may be spoiled.
Color changes: While slight browning is normal in older wines, significant color changes, especially in younger wines, can indicate spoilage.
Fizziness loss: For sparkling wines, if the effervescence is gone, it’s past its prime.