Whether it’s during a family dinner, a party, or enjoying a solo drink, it’s common to find yourself with an unfinished bottle of wine after opening. But what should you do when you encounter this situation again? Like any wine expert, we would suggest immediate coverage to help you preserve the quality, freshness, and flavors of your leftover elixir.
Wines, being delicate beverages, tend to oxidize when left unsealed and exposed to prolonged air, leading to an awfully sour vinegar-like taste. To assist you in preserving your fine wine, there are many handy ways for resealing a wine bottle correctly. In this article, we will unveil those resealing techniques so that you are prepared for any situation, ensuring boosted longevity for your wine.
The Original Cork:
The traditional method of resealing a wine bottle involves using the original cork. In order to do this, you have to make sure the cork is still in good condition, and that when you first open the bottle, you don’t screw all the way through the cork, leaving an airway from top to bottom.
Assuming the cork is usable, simply clean any residue from the cork’s surface, and gently reinsert it into the bottom about halfway to ensure a tight fit. This is a great method for any bottle you intend on finishing within a couple of days.
A Rubber Stopper
Rubber stoppers, also referred to as wine stoppers or bottle plugs, serve a specific purpose of resealing wine bottles. They come in various sizes and provide a secure seal. To use a rubber stopper, just remove the original cork and insert the stopper into the bottle’s opening. Give the stopper a firm press to ensure a tight fit.
What’s nice is that rubber stoppers are completely reusable, so they can be used for all types of wine in the future, and you can find them in a wide variety of styles to suit your personality.
A Paper Towel
Sometimes, a cork can be damaged, and you might find yourself in a situation where you need to improvise. Luckily, using a paper towel is a simple, effective stopgap to safeguard your wine until you can more adequately reseal it. Simply roll a small strip of paper towel tightly and place it in the bottle’s neck to create a makeshift seal.
This will minimize air exposure, but it won’t be a perfectly airtight seal like using a cork or a wine stopper. But if you need a practical, short-term solution to protect your wine’s flavor and freshness until you can get to a better resealing option, a paper towel is a great way to go.
A Vacuum Pump
When dealing with premium wines valued for their delicate aromas and flavors, vacuum pumps prove to be highly effective tools for resealing wine bottles. Not only do they create a perfect seal to keep air from getting into the bottle, but they also remove excess air from inside the bottle, helping to further preserve the wine’s freshness.
After you’ve poured your desired amount of wine, start by inserting the pump’s stopper into the bottle’s neck. Secure the pump handle to the stopper, and then operate the pump to create a vacuum inside the bottle, removing the air that can cause oxidation. Once you achieve the desired vacuum level, you effectively seal the bottle. Vacuum pumps are particularly useful for wines meant for extended storage or when you plan to enjoy a single bottle on multiple occasions.
Wax Paper
Another interesting alternative method for creating a temporary seal on a wine bottle is to use wax paper, and it’s probably the simplest method on this list. All you need to do is tear off a piece of wax paper — make sure it’s about three times as big as the wine bottle’s opening. Place the wax paper over the top of the bottle, then secure it with a rubber band or string.
The wax paper acts as a barrier against the air, keeping the wine fresher for a short period of time. This method isn’t designed for long-term freshness, but it will do in a pinch if you plan on getting back to the bottle in the next couple of days, or if you’re transporting it to a place where more optimal resealing methods are available.
How Long Can Wines Last After Opening?
Have you ever wondered how long you can extend the shelf life of an opened bottle of wine after discovering so many tips and tricks? How long does red wine last after opening? Does it last longer than the whites and roses? What about fortified wines?
In a nutshell, when opened, wines typically have a shelf life of a few days, with red wines having the longest shelf life of 3-7 days, and white wines and roses having a similar shelf life of 2-3 days. Fortified wines, like ports and sherries, can last longer due to their higher alcohol content and oxidative stability, often lasting up to several weeks or even months after opening when stored correctly.
Enjoy Fresher, More Flavorful Wine for Longer
Closing a bottle of wine correctly is critical for maintaining its taste and quality. By following the appropriate techniques and closure methods, you can properly reseal your wine to ensure its longevity.
Cheers!
