White wine is best kept at a cool, steady temperature in the fridge. White wine is best served chilled, but not ice cold, to preserve its flavor and aroma. The recommended temperature for storing white wine in the refrigerator is around 40°F (4 °C).
White wine, once opened, often tastes best when drank within three to five days. White wine keeps better in the fridge if left unopened for longer than once opened. White wine, if unopened, can be stored for up to a year in the fridge. This, however, is not always the case, and might change depending on the wine's quality and how it was stored. Whether or not the bottle has been opened affects how long white wine will keep in the fridge. White wine's flavor and aroma can be altered by oxidation after the bottle has been opened.
The Shelf Life of Different Types of Wine
It's important to keep in mind that the longevity of storage for various white wines can vary. For instance, the shelf life of Champagne and Prosecco, two types of sparkling white wine, is often shorter than that of still white wines. In addition, the shelf life of sweet white wines is typically lower than that of dry white wines.
Dry white wine - Wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, which are both dry, have a longer shelf life than their sweeter counterparts because they contain less sugar. Dry white wine can be stored for up to a year in the fridge unopened, but once opened, it should be drunk within three to five days.
Sweet white wine - Because of their higher sugar content, sweet white wines like Riesling and Moscato have a shorter shelf life than dry white wines. Once opened, sweet white wine should be consumed within three to five days, although it can remain for up to six months in the fridge if left unopened.
Sparkling white wine - Champagne and Prosecco are two examples of sparkling white wines that are known for having a relatively limited shelf life due to their high levels of carbonation. Sparkling white wine should be eaten within one to three years of the vintage date if unopened and within one to three days of opening.
Factors Affecting White Wine's Shelf Life
Type of wine
Examples of white wines - Some common examples of white wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling.
How type of wine affects shelf life - Because of their unique qualities, white wines can have a wide range of storage times. For instance, because of their increased sugar content, sweet white wines typically spoil more quickly than dry white wines. Because of the carbonation, sparkling white wines also have a shorter shelf life.
Quality of wine
Factors affecting wine quality - The quality of white wine can be affected by factors like the grape variety, the vintage year, and the winemaking process.
How wine quality affects shelf life - White wines of higher quality typically last longer than cheaper wines. This is because the higher quality grapes and more meticulous winemaking procedures used to create these bottles allow for more of the natural flavors and aromas to shine through.
Storage conditions
Recommended storage conditions - White wine should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideally, white wine should be stored at a temperature of around 55°F (13°C).
How storage conditions affect shelf life - The longevity of white wine is sensitive to storage conditions. Wine that is improperly stored can lose quality and flavor more quickly due to exposure to light, heat, and temperature variations.
How to Tell If White Wine Has Gone Bad
White wine can become bad even if properly stored. How to detect if your white wine has gone bad and what to do about it.
Smell - The first detectable indicator of damaged wine is typically an unpleasant aroma. White wine should not be consumed if it has the odor of vinegar, damp cardboard, or rotting eggs.
Appearance - A change in appearance is another indicator of ruined wine. Cloudiness or discoloration in spoiled white wine may be an indication of bacterial or yeast growth.
Taste - Wine that has gone bad can also have an unpleasant flavor. Bad white wine will have a sour, harsh, or flat flavor.
Especially with older white wines, a change in scent or flavor is possible, but this is not always a sign of deterioration. In general, it's safer to err on the side of caution and not drink the wine if it has an unusual aroma, color, or flavor.
White wine can go bad, so if you're not sure if you should drink it, try a brief taste or smell test first. It's better to be safe than sorry, so if you're not sure whether or not the wine is still good, it's best to just get rid of it.
How to Preserve White Wines
White wine may be kept fresh and enjoyable for longer if you follow these basic guidelines for wine storage:
Store wine in a cool, dark place - Wine can go bad faster if it's exposed to things like heat, light, and temperature swings. White wine is best kept in a cellar, wine fridge, or dark cabinet away from any heat sources and direct sunlight.
Use an airtight wine stopper - White wines should be protected from air contamination by using an airtight wine stopper as soon as the bottle is opened. To maintain the wine's quality and freshness, seal the bottle with an airtight wine stopper.
Refrigerate after opening - Once you've opened a bottle of white wine, it's best to keep it in the fridge. The oxidation process can be slowed down and the wine preserved in this way.
Use a vacuum pump - If you have an open bottle of white wine, you can keep it from oxidizing by using a vacuum pump. By creating a vacuum inside the bottle, this apparatus aids in extending the wine's freshness.
Finish the bottle within a few days - White wine, even when stored properly, will go bad after being opened, so drink it quickly or throw it away. To get the most out of your wine, drink it quickly after opening—ideally within three to five days.
