Storing Open Wine

[dino]

I am an absolute beginner when it comes to wine. I would like to know how long a bottle of wine will stay good after I open it. Do some wines keep better than others? Red vs. White? Will putting the open bottle in the refrig. help it stay good longer? Should I use the original cork or buy a stopper? Thanks for your help.

[Lil Ryan]

Welcome, Dino. Try this thread for more information:

http://www.wines.com/ubb2/Forum37/HTML/000064.html

Ryan

[pergamum]

Dino, I'm a novice on the subject of keeping wine. However, I know a few techniques that may be useful. First, I don't think its necessary to buy a wine stopper to "recork" an opened bottle of wine--the original cork serves the same purpose (unless it has been destroyed). Second, while storing wine in a refrigerator its probably not wise to leave it uncorked--you may find that oxidation sets in more quickly, destroying the flavor and texture of the wine (I've found that it takes only about three days). Last, in my limited experience, the best technique for preserving wine in a refrig is to transfer the wine to a smaller bottle and then recork. This leaves little space for oxegen in between the cork and the wine and slows down the process of oxidation.
If you're really feeling daring, you could purchase a small bottle of wine preserver--usually runs at around $9. I couple of sprits of this nitrogen based compound will preserve wine for period ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the wine.


[This message has been edited by pergamum (edited 03-27-2001).]

[Innkeeper]

OK, here's a simple and enjoyable system we've used for a long time. First go out and by a nice dessert wine in a 375 ml (half size) bottle; preferably one with a sturdy synthetic cork such as one used by Bonny Doon. Enjoy small glasses of the wine over the next several evenings. When finished wash out bottle and cork thoroughly, and store in a closed place where dust and germs don't gather.

The next time you want to save a half bottle, open the new one, fill the half bottle right up to the top, place the half bottle on a hard surface, and drive the cork in with a rubber mallet. If a little wine sloshes out, you know you have left no air in the bottle. Store in the refrigerator for a day or two and then drink it. In the meantime enjoy the rest of that bottle you just opened.