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How long to store a red wine once opened?
Red wine is a product whose quality evolves over time. That’s why once opened, it is exposed to oxygen and begins to degrade. Yet, with the right conservation techniques, it is possible to extend its tasting.
In this article, we explain how to optimize the conservation of red wine and avoid waste.
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🕐 3 min of reading | Posted on: 02/20/2025
The principles of red wine preservation
Why is conservation important?
First of all, it is important to know that the shelf life of white wine will be different from red wine. Indeed, the conservation of red wine after opening is essential to preserve its aromas, structure and balance. A poorly preserved red wine leads to rapid oxidation which modifies the taste of the wine and gives it acid and dull notes. Indeed, as soon as a bottle is opened, it comes into contact with the air and activates chemical reactions that gradually alter its qualities.
A poorly preserved wine can lose all its flavours in just a few hours, especially if it is directly exposed to heat or light.
For wine professionals, wine merchants, restaurateurs or managers of delicatessens, properly storing open red wine is essential to offer an optimal tasting experience to customers and avoid waste.
The factors influencing conservation
The preservation of red wine after opening depends on several elements. First of all, the alcohol content and the tannins play a key role. Indeed, wines rich in alcohol and tannins, such as a Bordeaux or a Cabernet Sauvignon, are better preserved than lighter wines like a Pinot Noir.
Exposure to oxygen is also decisive, because the more the bottle is empty, the faster the oxidation of the wine is due to the air contained. The storage temperature is also another factor to take into account: a too high temperature alters the aromas, while a too cold environment attenuates the flavors of the wine.
Finally, the type of closure used influences the shelf life of red wine. A hermetic stopper or a vacuum pump limits contact with oxygen, while a simple cork stopper put back in place is not always enough to preserve the wine effectively.
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Shelf life of open red wine
Conservation of open red wine: what to know?
An open bottle of red wine can be consumed in the days following the opening if it is well preserved. On average, it takes 1 to 3 days for a light wine, 3 to 5 days for a more tannic wine and up to a week for some well-protected wines.
Red wine opened for 1 month: is it still drinkable?
After a month, an open red wine is generally no longer good to drink. Oxidation has transformed it, giving it a brownish color and an acidic taste reminiscent of vinegar.
However, a red wine that has been open for one month remains an excellent ingredient in cooking. It can enhance the flavor of sauces, but also marinades or simmered dishes, where its acidity and altered aromas bring character to recipes.
Shelf life according to the type of red wine
The shelf life of red wine once opened varies depending on its type and structure.
Light wines, such as Gamay, Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, are more fragile and can be kept for 1 to 3 days before losing their aromas. More structured wines, such as Bordeaux, Syrah or Malbec, resist oxidation a little better and can be consumed up to 5 days after opening.
Powerful wines rich in tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo, have better stability and can be kept for up to a week under good conditions. On the other hand, natural wines, without added sulfites, are particularly sensitive to oxygen and keep for less time, often only 1 to 2 days.
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Conservation techniques after opening
How to store open red wine?
Here are the best practices for keeping a red wine open:
- Replace the cap immediately after each service to limit oxidation.
- Store the bottle upright to minimize surface contact with air.
- Place the bottle in a cool place, ideally between 12 and 15°C. A refrigerator can be a temporary solution.
- Use a vacuum pump to extract air and slow down oxidation.
- Opt for an inert gas (argon, nitrogen) to protect the wine from oxygen.
Methods to slow down oxidation
- Hermetic or vacuum closure: these accessories extend the shelf life of red wine.
- Glass beads or stainless steel balls: they reduce the air space in the bottle.
- Storage under controlled atmosphere (Coravin): ideal technology for professionals who want to offer wines by the glass without altering them.
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Storage of red wine: recommended practices
To optimize the conservation of open red wine, it is essential to store it under appropriate conditions. The temperature must remain constant, ideally between 12 and 15°C, because sudden variations accelerate oxidation and degrade aromas. A dark environment is also recommended, since sunlight alters the structure of the wine and accelerates its aging. Humidity also plays a key role, a rate between 50 and 70% is ideal to preserve the cork stoppers and prevent them from drying out.
As a professional, investing in suitable wine furniture, such as wooden wine shelves, wine racks or wine displays, allows you to organize your wine cellar and effectively protect the bottles.
Common mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is to leave the red wine open at room temperature for too long. Above 18°C, oxidation accelerates and rapidly alters its aromas. It is best to store it in a cool place and away from light.
Replacing the cork of a bottle with a dirty or damaged cork can also affect the preservation of red wine. Cork may contain impurities that alter the wine. A hermetic stopper or vacuum pump is a better option.
Finally, not all red wines are preserved in the same way. The lighter ones, such as Pinot Noir, deteriorate faster than tannic wines like Bordeaux. That is why it is necessary to adapt the conservation of red wine according to its type to preserve all its qualities.
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