Oct 2, 2024

Does wine have an expiration date?

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered at least once: does wine have an expiration date? The answer is not as simple as it seems. Unlike common food items, wine doesn’t have a precise expiration date, but it can still spoil.

Let’s explore how to tell if wine is still good and the best way to store it to enjoy every sip.

How to tell if the wine has gone bad

Even though the expiration date of wine isn’t part of the information that must be included on the label, using a few simple methods can help you understand if the wine has gone bad. How? By combining visual observation, smell, and taste. Following some helpful tips, you can avoid drinking spoiled wine and fully enjoy every bottle.

Here, then, are some signs and methods for assessing whether the wine is still good.

Appearance

The first step in assessing the wine’s condition is observing its appearance. A wine that has become cloudy or shows unusual sediment may have spoiled. However, it’s important to distinguish between natural sediments, common in aged red wines, and those indicating a quality issue: natural sediments generally signal a quality wine that has matured, while a cloudy layer in the liquid suggests oxidation or contamination.

Don’t overlook the color: if a red wine has taken on a brownish or dull hue, or in the case of a white wine, a yellowish tint, it means the wine may have altered and is no longer as good as before.
Also, be aware of bubbles in still wines: this indicates uncontrolled fermentation or bacterial contamination.

Smell

Smell is a powerful tool for identifying wine that’s gone bad. A good wine should have a fresh, inviting aroma, evoking pleasant sensations with its characteristic bouquet. If, instead, you detect an unpleasant smell, like vinegar, wet cardboard or rotten eggs, it’s a clear sign that the wine has been compromised, possibly due to bacterial contamination or prolonged exposure to air.

Lastly, the “cork taint”, a strong musty or damp cellar smell, is primarily caused by Trichloroanisole (TCA), a chemical compound that can develop in cork due to fungal contamination, ruining the taste of the wine.

Taste

Taste is the final test to determine wine quality. Even if the wine doesn’t show visible or olfactory issues, its taste can reveal if it’s still drinkable. A wine that tastes like vinegar, is excessively acidic, or has a metallic flavor should be discarded. Old red wines that have lost their vibrancy and taste flat or bitter are no longer in good condition.

If we consider, on the other hand, an open bottle, the risk of the wine going bad is much higher. In this case, oxygen has much easier access to the bottle, quickly damaging the drink’s organoleptic properties. In general, an open bottle of white wine lasts an average of 3 to 5 days; red wine about 4 to 6 days.

Flavor differences and how to keep it unaltered

The flavor of wine can vary significantly with time and storage conditions. To maintain the flavor, it’s essential to follow some simple rules:

Temperature: Store wine at a consistent temperature, choosing the ideal one depending on the type of wine. Too high temperatures can accelerate the aging process, while too low temperatures can stall it.

Humidity: A humidity level of 70-80% helps keep corks moist, preventing oxidation of the wine. An environment that is too dry can cause the cork to dry out, allowing air to enter the bottle. Also, if the cork begins to protrude from the bottle or there is visible wine leakage on the cork, it means that deterioration has probably occurred due to heat.
On the other hand, excessive moisture can promote mold growth on the label and cork.

Light: It’s essential to protect wine from direct sunlight and intense artificial light sources. Light can cause chemical reactions that alter the wine’s flavor and aroma.

Does closed wine expire? Here’s how long an unopened bottle of wine lasts

The shelf life of a closed bottle of wine depends on several factors, including the type of wine, the quality of the cork, and the storage conditions. Here is an overview of the different types of wine and their potential shelf life:

Red wines, due to their structure and tannin content, tend to last longer than white wines. An average quality red wine can last between 2 and 10 years if stored properly. However, high-quality red wines, such as Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino or Bordeaux, can age well for decades, developing complexity and depth as the years go by.
White wines, in general, have a shorter shelf life than reds. An average quality white wine is usually best consumed within 1-3 years after bottling. In the case, however, of some high-quality white wines, such as the great Chablis or German Rieslings, they can evolve positively for 10 years or more, depending on their acidity and structure.
Sparkling wines, particularly those made by the traditional method (such as Champagne and Franciacorta), are more delicate and are recommended to be consumed within 1-2 years of purchase to maintain freshness and liveliness. There are exceptions, such as some Millesimati Champagnes, which with aging of 10 or more years can only improve their organoleptic properties and distinctive flavor.

Sweet wines, on the other hand, due to their high sugar content, have a very long aging capacity. Wines such as Sauternes, Tokaji or Vin Santo can last, and improve, for decades. Sugars act as natural preservatives, allowing these wines to maintain their integrity and develop complexities related to flavor and aroma.

Storage tips for unchanged aroma

As we have mentioned, the ideal temperature for wine storage varies according to type. Some wines require a lower storage temperature, particularly younger wines. Generally, no red wine should go below 11° or go above 18°.
Here are some guidelines for proper storage depending on the wine:

Light red wine: 12°-16°C

Full-bodied or aging red wine: 16°-18°C

Light white/rosé wine: 8°-12°C

Full-bodied or aging white/rosé wine: 12°-14°C

Sparkling wines and Champagne: 6°-8°C

Sweet wines: 8°-12°C

Beyond these differences, it’s crucial to maintain a constant temperature, as fluctuations can cause the liquid to expand and contract, damaging the cork and allowing air to enter the bottle. For this reason, the best solution for storing wine is a cellar, capable of keeping the temperature stable.

Moreover, storing bottles in a horizontal position is essential, especially for those closed with corks, ensuring that the cork remains in contact with the wine and prevents it from drying out, favoring the entry of air.

As anticipated in the article on wine bottle colors, light, whether sunlight or artificial, can also alter wine. UV rays can cause chemical reactions that degrade organic compounds in the liquid, negatively affecting flavor and aroma. It is therefore advisable to store wine in a dark place or in dark glass bottles that offer some protection against light.

Constant vibrations can disturb the sediment in wine, especially in aged red wines, accelerating unwanted chemical processes. That’s why it’s important to store bottles in a place where they won’t be disturbed, away from appliances and other sources of vibration.

For those who do not have an underground wine cellar, a wine refrigerator is a viable alternative. These units are designed to maintain optimal temperature and humidity for wine storage. In addition, many wine refrigerators are equipped with UV-protected glass to prevent light damage.

What is the point of a wine cellar?

Having a wine cellar for wine storage is not just a luxury, but a necessity for all wine lovers. A wine cellar provides an optimal environment for the long-term storage of wine, protecting it from temperature changes, excessive or insufficient humidity, and harmful light. In this way, wine can mature properly, developing complexity and depth in flavor.

In conclusion, wine, unlike many other products, does not have a specific expiration date, and with the right care it can be stored for many years, keeping flavor and aroma intact and improving with aging.
If you have doubts about the quality of a bottle, you can try relying on your senses: sight, smell and taste are your best allies.

Remember, however, that drinking aged wine is not bad for you, especially if they are aging wines that, over the years and if stored properly, enhance their properties… as is the case with Barolo!

To enjoy a good wine without worrying about its preservation come visit us at Boroli winery, a place where tradition blends with innovation, representing the favorite destination for every lover of good wine. Savor every nuance of our fine wines through an enological journey and be surrounded by a breathtaking landscape such as the Langhe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit our website to discover a selection of fine wines and stay up-to-date on all the news in the world of wine.

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The Boroli cellars, located in Castiglione Falletto, are the perfect place to experience the magical territory of the Langhe through tasting experiences and to enjoy an unforgettable experience of discovery and great wine.