The shelf life of wine once opened depends on the type of wine, the conditions in which the wine is stored and the amount of oxidation that has occurred in the wine bottle.
Red Wine Longevity
Normally, an opened bottle of red wine is good for 3 to 5 days only, provided that it is properly stored. The way to maintain the quality is to re-cork the bottle and store it in a cool and dark area.
Wines with higher tannin content, like Maratheftiko and Cypriot wines, are less susceptible to oxidation, and therefore, they have a longer shelf life.
On the other hand, wines with a lighter red colour, such as Pinot Noir, can only be consumed for about three days. It becomes exposed to air and, thus, oxidised, which reduces the intensity of the wine’s fresh flavours and smell, making it taste like vinegar in the long run.
White Wine Longevity
White wines are usually consumed within a shorter period after opening and should be consumed within 3 days when refrigerated.
Light-bodied whites, including Sauvignon Blanc and Xynisteri, a Cypriot white grape, can be enjoyed for two days after opening.
The full-bodied whites, such as oaked Chardonnay, maybe a little longer, but they are also best consumed within 3 to 5 days. Storing white wines in the fridge is good for the wines because it maintains their crispness and high acidity, which are qualities of white wines.
Sparkling Wine Longevity
Champagne or any other sparkling wines and local Cypriot sparkling wines have the shortest shelf life once they are opened.
They normally begin to lose their fizz in a few hours and are most enjoyable when taken within **1 to 3 days**.
To retain the bubbles, one has to ensure that they use a proper sparkling wine stopper and ensure that the bottle is placed in the refrigerator as soon as it is opened.
Despite these measures, the wine will not be as fresh as it was the first time it was opened.
Fortified Wine Longevity
However, some wines do not follow the general rule of ageing, and these include Port and Sherry wines. Because of this, they are longer-lasting than normal beers and can last for up to 28 days, provided they are stored in a cool, dark area. This makes them ideal for those who like to take their wine slowly over a long period without having to worry about the bottle going to waste.
The period that wine lasts after opening depends on the type of wine that one is consuming. To the connoisseurs of Greek and Cypriot wines, these differences are important to know in order to improve the experience. Re-corking and storing the wine in the refrigerator are the best practices that should be followed in order to maintain the quality of the wine even after the bottle has been opened. Thus, every glass will be as enjoyable as the first one
