What are the best methods for preserving white wine after opening?

Looking for a way to preserve the white wine you've just opened? The storage method will vary depending on the type of wine. There are many tips and tricks to help preserve this delicious beverage.

Knowing the shelf life of wine

It's important to know that each wine has a different composition. White wine, for example, doesn't keep as well as red wine. Once opened, white wine can be kept for 1 to 2 days , while red wine can last from 2 to 4 days. Other factors, such as the acidity of white wine, can also affect its natural shelf life. Dry wine can be kept for a few days .

Sweet or semi-sweet wines keep longer (a few weeks) because they have a high concentration of sugar and alcohol . Oxidation is slowed down. Since young wines contain sulfates and have a higher alcohol content, they keep longer. However, older wines... Wines tend to age rapidly when exposed to air .

Storing white wine after opening: adopting the right techniques

Before storing opened wine, check how much wine is left . If the amount is quite small, consider storing the remainder in a smaller container. Oxidation is the main enemy that will affect the bottle after it's opened. By transferring the remaining wine into a smaller, sealed container, you minimize its contact with oxygen .

To preserve the wine, it is advisable to:

• Transfer the wine into the smallest possible container;
• Close the container to prevent the wine from coming into contact with oxygen;
• Store the wine in a cool place, away from sunlight.

Learn about the storage temperature for white wine

Whether you buy a white wine from France, Bordeaux, or Provence, you should avoid exposing it to high temperatures . Keeping it at a lower temperature will limit the wine's evolution. You can place the bottle in your refrigerator to store the wine. Before serving, allow the wine to warm up. Ideally, white wine is served at a temperature between 8 and 10°C . Below this temperature, the wine won't be able to fully develop its aromas, and you won't perceive any flavor.

Use appropriate tools

There are systems that allow you to preserve white wine for longer. Professionals, for example, use wine dispensers . These allow you to keep the wine longer without altering it. Individuals can use a vacuum pump. This accessory helps remove the air from the wine bottle and significantly reduces oxidation. In just a few minutes, the pump will optimize the preservation of the white wine.

Some tips to consider

1. Place the open bottle of wine upright.

Once a bottle of wine is opened, it should be stored upright. This helps reduce the surface area exposed to oxygen . This applies to both screw caps and corks.

Place the bottle in the refrigerator.

In principle, some beverages are best enjoyed chilled. Don't hesitate to refrigerate opened white wines. Cooler temperatures will slow down chemical processes , including oxidation. A bottle of white wine can be kept chilled for up to five days.

2. Use an inert gas to preserve the wine

Inert gas is one of the solutions used to preserve wine. Argon, along with other inert gas mixtures, replaces the oxygen in the bottle. These solutions create a protective layer on the surface . Because argon is non-reactive and denser than oxygen, it protects the wine from contact with air, thus limiting the risk of oxidation.

Once the gas has been sprayed into the bottle, simply replace the cap as quickly as possible. Place the bottle in the refrigerator.

3. Use a specific tool like Coravin

The Coravin brand has designed a device with a needle. This device pierces a hole in the cork to extract the wine without having to pull the cork. Therefore, the wine will not come into contact with oxygen . The air in the bottle is replaced with argon gas. The air will not alter the wine, as the cork will reseal itself naturally.