How Long Can Wine Stay Drinkable After Opened?

Deciding whether to enjoy or discard an open bottle of wine can be a conundrum for many wine enthusiasts. Factors such as the wine's style, quality, level of tannins, and more come into play. The good news is that most wines retain their palatability for longer than expected. If you're curious about how long wine stays good after opening, we've compiled a practical guide to assist you. Below is a useful manual to understand the shelf life of specific wines and strategies to prolong the enjoyment of a bottle beyond its initial opening.

Duration of Wine After Opening?
The quality of the wine is the ultimate determining factor in its longevity once opened. Regardless of preservation techniques like gas-injection or vacuuming, once a bottle is opened, oxygen is introduced, which is absorbed into the wine. It's not the air above the wine that makes the difference but the oxygen absorbed at the moment of opening.

White Wine
Well-made white wines, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sémillon, or Sauvignon Blanc, can last comfortably for three to four days in a half-full bottle. High-grade, single-vineyard whites with a high fill level may endure for up to a week in the fridge, albeit with a slight loss of aroma. Mass-produced, simpler whites and rosés are best consumed within two days.

Red Wine
Similar to white wine, red wine typically remains in good condition for three to four days, with more robust reds lasting longer due to their higher tannin content. Elegant Beaujolais may last three to four days, while robust southern Rhône or Primitivo can endure for five to six days.

Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines retain their carbon dioxide protection, but open bottles require purpose-made stoppers to securely seal them. Marcello Lunelli, co-owner of Italy’s Cantine Ferrari in Trento, suggests that a re-stoppered bottle can last three to four days if properly closed, while a half-full bottle is best consumed within two days to preserve its optimal effervescence. Beyond that, leftover sparkling wine can be repurposed for cooking, as its acidity complements the sweetness of dishes like risotto.