how long does white wine last?

[Jason Atkinson]

How long does a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
last after opened before it goes bad:
(a) if re-corked but unrefridgerated?
(b) if re-corded and refridgerated?

We get big bottles, and I've not found red
wine to get bad for days unrefridgerated
and for weeks refridgerated, but my wife
thinks I'm asking for trouble....

[Innkeeper]

Hi Jason, and welcome to the Wine Board. There is a difference of opinion on refrigeration or non-refrigeration of leftover reds. Most folks I know or have heard of put it in the fridge, and then let it warm up to 65 degrees or so before serving. However in her book published this year entitled "Wine Buying Guide for Everyone", Andrea Immer in a comprehensive section on storing leftovers, tells us to leave red wine on the counter. White wine should be refrigerated, no argument.

Regardless, every effort must be taken to keep air away from the wine. Recorking is essential. Putting it in a smaller bottle before recorking is an inexpensive way to go. Some folks like the Vac-U-Pump. Others go for expensive systems that replace the air in the bottle with nitrogen. Take your pick.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 10-19-2002).]