In our guide, we’ll answer the commonly asked question of how long does wine last in the fridge?
You’ve opened a special bottle of wine, enjoyed a few glasses, and want to save some for another evening. But how long will it last in the fridge before it begins to lose its charm?
Wine has a wonderfully long shelf-life, and if correctly sealed, can last for decades in a cool, dark cellar. However, once that cork has been popped (or screwed off these days!), the countdown begins to the point where the wine is no longer drinkable.
While you can still use wine that has turned for cooking, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to savour every sip you can!
How Long Should Wine Stay in the Fridge After Being Opened?
Wine is perishable so it needs to be stored in a refrigerator or a wine cooler after being opened. Certain wines last longer than others, depending on the type, quality, and alcohol content.
Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Once opened, bubbly can’t be stored for a long time – between one and three days at the most. The trick to keeping the fizz is to reseal the bottle with a champagne stopper immediately after pouring your glass. Specifically designed for sparkling wines, stoppers clamp securely onto the bottle and create a tight seal to keep the bubbles from escaping.
Make sure to store the bottle in the fridge or the cooler upright, as this reduces the surface area of the liquid exposed to air and helps to slow down oxidation. Champagne loves the cold so should be stored at around 45°F (7°C). Sparkles are best enjoyed super-chilled, so make sure your bubbles – whether an affable and affordable prosecco or an eye-wateringly expensive French Cuveé – are served at the correct temperature.
Light, Rosé and Fortified White Wine
Lighter wines like sauvignon blanc, rosé, and sweet wines can be kept in the fridge for between three and five days if sealed well with a cork or a wine stopper. Stand the bottle in an upright position to reduce oxidation and try to finish within five days before the delicate flavours and aromas start to deteriorate. If your white wine begins to lose its flavour, don’t throw it away! You can use it when cooking to add an extra depth of flavour to dishes like pasta or risotto.
Full-Bodied White and Red Wine
Full-bodied white wines like wooded chardonnay need to be refrigerated once opened. Make sure the bottle is well sealed and stored upright in the fridge or cooler to reduce oxidation. Red wines don’t need to be refrigerated but should be well-sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.
Heavy red wines like reds from Bordeaux or South Africa can be stored for up to five days once opened if they are well sealed and away from light. If an opened bottle of red wine begins to change colour and loses its aroma, it has turned and is best used for cooking!
Why Does Wine Turn Bad?
Wine’s worst enemy is oxygen and when the ‘Nectar of the Gods’ meets the element, oxidation begins. The tannins found in grape skins play a crucial role in the structure and body of wine, giving it weight and texture, and making it feel fuller in your mouth. Tannins also function as natural preservatives, which can help a wine age gracefully over time.
Oxygen stimulates tannins, so when a bottle of wine is opened and exposed to oxygen, the stimulated tannins begin a process known as oxidation, which causes the quality of the wine to deteriorate over time. The obvious answer to prevent this from happening would be to finish the bottle of liquid sunshine, however, if you want to save some for a rainy day, here’s how.
Red, White, Rosé – What Wines Can I Store in the Fridge?
Only some types of wine are best suited for chilling when storing wine in the fridge, as cooler temps can affect the flavours and aromas. Some light red wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais can be served slightly chilled (around 13-15°C or 55-60°F), however, avoid keeping these wines in the fridge for more than a few days.
Heavy red wines like Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon should be corked/sealed and stored in a cool, dark place where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much. Pop the cork and enjoy for up to three weeks!
White wines and blushy rosés are best enjoyed chilled and should be stored and served at around 7-10°C (45-50°F). Think sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling! These wines will be fine for a few weeks in the fridge, but you should finish an open bottle within two months.
Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are best served very chilled at 4-7°C (40-45°F). Bubbles need to be enjoyed right away, but if you want to keep some for a special occasion, seal the bottle with a Champagne stopper and keep chilled for a few days.
Belle Wine Bar & Grazing Boards
For the crispest wine and mouthwatering cuisine in town, head to Belle Wine Bar & Grazing Boards in Ubud. This elegant wine bistro on Monkey Forest Road has an impressive list of local and imported wines from crisp Australian chardonnays to robust French Burgundies. Platters laden with local charcuterie, cheeses, and fresh local produce keep hunger at bay and add an extra touch to your tasting experience.