How long do different wine types last once open?

We’ve all been there… You pop open a new bottle, share a glass with a few friends, and a few nights later, you realise that there’s leftover wine! While you may be kicking yourself, there’s no need to panic and pour the wine down the sink just yet. While opened bottles don’t last forever, Tulloch is here to help you discover the ins and outs of leftover drops. In this blog, we’ll explore how long the most popular wine types last so you know exactly when and where you can pull out your still-fresh leftover wine… even if it's well past its prime. 

White Wines: 

Most lighter-bodied white wines, like Pinot Gris or Semillon, become your fridge buddies for roughly 4-7 days after opening if you use a decent stopper. That means you can savour them over a weekend or even longer!  

However, there is a catch…oxidation. You know how an apple browns after you cut it? Well, it happens to wine too, and it can mute the vibrant flavours you love. So, while the wine is still safe to drink, it might lose some of its initial crispness after a day or two. But hey, that doesn't necessarily mean it's bad! Although past its prime, it still should keep its core notes, which like a Tulloch bottle, is still irresistible to throw and waste away. 

Red Wines: 

Unlike their white and rosé counterparts, red wines have a secret weapon: tannins. These flavour molecules act like a shield, helping reds withstand that unwanted oxygen. This means they have the ability to last longer once opened, especially compared to lighter whites.

Here's the catch: tannins can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they help reds stay fresh for 3-5 days with a good stopper and a cool, dark place (or even the fridge! Controversial, I know…). This is especially true for powerhouse reds such as our Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, they may even taste slightly smoother the next day, thanks to some "breathing time" that mellows out a bit of harshness (depending on your taste).

Lighter reds however, don't have as many tannins, so they tend to lose their taste a bit faster (around 2-3 days). So, if you have a light-bodied red leftover, enjoy it sooner rather than later….

Sparkling Wines: 

Ah, sparkling wine – the celebratory drink that brings the fizz to any occasion. But what happens when the party's over and there's leftover bubbly? 

Unlike reds or whites, the magic of sparkling wine lies in its bubbles, and those bubbles don't last forever once the bottle's open. A day or two is their limit for most sparkling wines, like the ever-popular Prosecco.  Like soft drinks, the bubbles and fizz just fade out and go flat.

But wait, there's a glimmer of hope! Traditionally made sparkling wines like our Sparkling Cuvee are more stubborn (in a good way)! Because of their special production process, they can hold onto some sparkles for three days, especially if you have a fancy sparkling wine stopper.

Fortified Wines: 

If you’re more of a fan of fortified wines, you’re in luck! Non Vintage Fortified Wines are built to last!

Because they're fortified with brandy (think of it as a shot of extra punch), they can stay fresh for up to a month after opening. Keep them tightly sealed in a cool, dark cupboard and keep them away from any sunny windowsills! Vintage fortifieds need to follow the same rules as vintage red wine for lasting in an open bottle - so keep that in mind! Heat and light are the enemies of these long-lasting wines, so treat them like the treasures they are. So next time you raise a glass of something special, remember, these wines are happy to keep the party going for a while, as long as you store them right! 

When to know that your wine is ready to throw:

Not storing your wines correctly will spoil your wine, no matter how expensive or delightful the drop. So, what are the telltale signs? Let’s start with smell. Funky smells like wet cardboard or burnt rubber is a key sign that you should never ignore. If it smells off… well, you guessed it, it’s off! 

Colour-wise, reds might turn a brownish hue, while whites can get dull or vinegary. Remember, correct storage is the quintessential key! Avoiding heat, light, and vibrations and keeping those leftover bottles tucked away in a cool, dark place is your best bet for savouring your wine for a future date.

So, there you have it! A crash course in leftover love for all your favourite wines. Remember, these are just a general rule of thumb. The best way to enjoy an open bottle? Share it with good company, store it carefully and trust your senses! 

 

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