New wine drinker with a question

[Izzy]

Hello all,

I was wondering if somebody could steer me in the right direction. I'm a new wine lover and have a question. I'm hooked on wine but my wife doesn't really care for any wines yet (can you believe that?) and this presents a problem. When I open and decanter a fresh bottle, I really don't want to drink all of it at once. A friend of mine told me that it's no problem with a good red...simply stash the decanter somewhere safe and drink the rest the next day after it mellows. I am a little skeptical of ruining a good bottle of wine so I thought I'd ask first. Anybody?

Thanks!

[Innkeeper]

Hi Izzy, and welcome to the Wine Board. Try to find a half bottle you woundn't mind drinking, and save it after you drink it. Then when you open a full bottle, pour or funnel half of it into the half bottle and put the cork you just pulled it it, or use another stopper. I use a half bottle with a crewcap (duh!).

You might also try to get your wife started with a White Zin or something of that ilk. If she goes for it, move her up gradually. If she doesn't, try some other ilk.

[Izzy]

Thanks for the suggestion, I may try that. Still, does that mean that red wine is no good left out for 24 hours? Is my friend just flat out wrong?

[Innkeeper]

Some do, some don't. If you use the method I suggested, keep the half bottle in the fridge. Take it out about a hour before drinking.

Regarding shelf life you might want to pick up or order a copy of Andrea Immer Robinson's "2007 Wine Buying Guide for Everyone." She gives you shelf life for amost a thousand popular wines.

[Izzy]

OK, sounds good. Thanks!