1. Keep Oxygen Out.
The main issue with trying to save wine once the cork has been removed is that the wine is exposed to oxygen. The air will flatten your wine, lessening the flavors and aromas. If you've only drank half the bottle of wine, the wine that's left is exposed to half a bottle of oxygen. One way to reduce the surface area exposed to oxygen, is to transfer your leftover wine into a half bottle with a screw top lid. A second option would be to purchase a wine preserver that actually pumps the oxygen out of the bottle.
2. Don't Recork it.
Placing the cork back into the bottle is probably the first logical solution you can come up with the preserve your open bottle of wine. However, this is not a good idea because it can taint the wine that's still in there. If you do have to use the cork rather than a wine stopper or preserver, beware which end of the cork you insert back into the bottle. While the "clean" side may seem easier to fit into the bottle, the stained side has already been exposed to the wine and it tasted fine. The "clean" side may not be as clean as you think because it has been exposed to elements outside of the bottle.
3. Store it Upright.
In addition to moving the wine to a smaller bottle, be sure to store your open wine upright. Storing it upright will minimize the surface area of the wine that is exposed to oxygen. When a bottle is placed on its side, the exposed surface area increases dramatically if there's extra space in the bottle. This type of storage also reduces the potential mess of a leaky seal.
4. Place in the Fridge.
One of the most important tips to follow when storing an open bottle of wine is to refrigerate it. You may be thinking that some wine is served at room temperature and therefore should not be placed in the fridge. While that is true, it's easier to get your wine warmed up than it is to chill it. Think about it this way, wine comes from grapes and you wouldn't leave your fresh produce out on the counter would you? So why would you leave your wine sitting out to spoil? Instead, store it in the fridge. If it is one of those wines that should be served at room temperature, take it out before you start prepping dinner. Go ahead and pour it into the glasses and by the time dinner gets to the table, it will be room temperature.
Wine, depending on the type, can typically last up to 2 weeks after being opened. As long as you store the wine correctly, the flavor won't change too much. In addition to the best wine at the Lake of the Ozarks, Seven Springs Winery offers other wine products for purchase. Next time you're in our Lake of the Ozarks Winery, take a look at our wine stoppers to help keep your wine tasting fresh!
Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view!
Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties. Call us today to make reservations for your special event!
Seven Springs Winery
573.317.0100
846 Winery Hills Estates
Linn Creek, MO 65052
