How Long Is Too Long?

Some evenings, we really need more than one glass of wine.

But how long will your wine last if you do not drink the entire bottle in an evening?

Several factors come into play when answering this question.  First, is the wine a red or white?  How old is the wine?  Are you storing it in proper conditions (temperature, preservation gas and humidity)?  Finally, how much do you care if the wine is a little (or a lot) past its prime.  Ultimately, the rule of thumb is - if it tastes okay, go for it!  However, for the purposes of this blog, we will examine some "rules".  (Interestingly, I found a lot of disparity between web sites on this issue.)

1.  Is the wine a red or white, still or sparkling?
     ~According to Corkbuzz.com, acidity, sugar, tannins and alcohol call all act as preservatives in
     wine.
     ~According to supplewine.com, sparkling wine lasts 24 hours at the most.  Some won't last more
     than four hours.
     ~According to supplewine.com, white wines can last 1 to 3 days.  Heavier wines, such as an oaked
     Chardonnay, can last longer than lighter, fruitier wines.
     ~According to supplewine.com, Rose wine can last 1 to 3 days.  This also can depend on how full-
     bodied the wine is.
     ~According to supplewine.com, light-bodied red wines can last 1 to 3 days.
     ~According to supplewine.com, full bodied red wines can last 1 to 5 days.  Sometimes, heavier reds
     such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, can actually improve after being open a day or two.
     ~According to supplewine.com, fortified dessert wines can last 7 to 14 days.  The high sugar and
     alcohol content acts as a preservative.  Madeira can last for weeks in the refrigerator after being
     open.

2.  How old is the wine?

     ~According to Corkbuzz.com, generally, younger wines will stay fresher longer than old wines.
     However, according to luxist.com, the opposite is true.  That site claims that the longer the wine was
     aged, the longer it will retain its flavor, whereas younger wine is more susceptible to the effects of
     oxidation.
 
3.  Are you storing the wine under proper conditions?

     ~According to Corkbuzz.com, since oxygen is what ultimately will deteriorate a wine, closing the
     bottle after you are finished will keep more oxygen from entering.  This fact is disputed by supple
     wine.com, which states that once the wine is exposed to oxygen, the deterioration process begins
     and closing the bottle will not stop it.  Corking the bottle will, however, limit continued exposure
     and slow the process.
     ~Utilizing a vacuum seal can help keep the wine fresher longer.

     ~Cooler temperatures can slow down the deterioration of wine, so, unless you have a dedicated
     wine cabinet, store your wine in the refrigerator.  (Yes, even reds.)
     ~Utilizing an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon can replace the oxygen in the bottle and increase
     the wine's lifespan.

4.   What is your taste preference?
      ~Ultimately, the only true "rule" on this issue is whether the wine is pleasing to your palate.

5.   Miscellanous
      ~Luxist.com states that the fuller the bottle, the longer a wine will stay fresh due to less room in the
      bottle for oxygen.  The site suggests transferring what is left into a smaller bottle.
      ~Do you have a wine aerator?  A common brand of aerator is the Vinturi.  This device allows you
      to pour the wine through it and into your glass, aerating the wine.  This process can help wines that
      are otherwise past their prime, to taste a little better.

      ~According to winefolly.com, avoid storing open wine on its side, avoid storing it by a window,
      and don't store the wine above 70 degrees F.

Bottom Line

The general consensus throughout my research is, on average, three days.  Red wine typically can last a few days longer than white.  However, it really depends on your own personal taste.  Wine will not make you sick, but it may simply taste like vinegar.

Just remember, wine should be enjoyed, not just finished!

Cheers!

Mary Jo

Gift Giving for the Discerning Wino-The Decanter

So when it comes to giving a gift for the wino who probably has everything, what do you do?  It would never fail by giving a wonderful bottle of their favorite wine or maybe one of YOUR favorite wines.  But once that bottle has been enjoyed (as I'm sure it will be), you just have an empty bottle.  Now you could use the cork for some future decorating project ( Beth made a cool lazy susan) or put a candle wick in it for ambient lighting (Mary Jo made several of these from special bottles) or for the not so crafty person that I am, you have to come up with something else.

As for some favorite "toys" for the wino, one that is very useful and can be used over and over, is the decanter.  I do have to admit I have a couple of decanters that get plenty of use. So why a decanter?  What is the purpose of a decanter?





Well, for starters there are a couple of reasons one chooses to decant a wine.  One is for aeration.  This is mainly for full-bodied red wines whose aroma, flavor, and complexity can improve with aeration.  We have noticed that during some of our wine classes the wines change after the first tasting, then pairing with some foods and later tasting again once the bottle has been open for a while.  This decanter just helps speed up the process.  We've also noticed it can enhance the flavor of an inexpensive wine.  These don't have to be fancy but best to use either glass or crystal because they won't alter the wine's taste.  Also, make sure they are large enough to hold an entire bottle of wine and still have plenty of room. There should be plenty of surface area exposed to air.

Another reason for decanting is for removal of sediment.  Again, for full-bodied reds since, as they age, they can develop a deposit that settles to the bottom of the bottle.  The decanter helps to separate the clear wine from the sediment, because no one enjoys that unpleasant taste.

Now let's explore which wines should be decanted.  According to Andrea Immer Robinson, the Rule of Thumb: Older red wines (typically ten years and older, but visually inspect bottles with three or more years of age to be sure) may have sediment, and are thus candidates for decanting.  All vintage Port has sediment, and should be decanted--the older the wine, the thicker the sediment.  Young, very full-bodied red wines can benefit from decanting for aeration. 

Speaking of aeration, if you don't wish to enjoy the entire bottle at the time, using an aerator for pouring a glass at a time is the perfect solution.  My pick of choice is the Vinturi.  Just hold it over your glass, pour and instant aeration!  It's fun to try a little wine without the aerator and then after and taste the difference.  It's amazing how the wine really opens up.

 





Now if you are like me and really love pretty toys, I picked up a beautiful wine funnel from JordanWinery in California on our last trip.  It's not only functional but pretty to use.

 

So if you are looking for a fun gift or just want to enhance a wonderful bottle of wine, try a decanter!

Cheers!

Lisa