In everyday life, red wine has a rich and delicious flavor and a low alcohol content, making it a popular choice for many people.Can opened red wine be stored in the refrigerator?

In general, many people drink red wine and don't finish it, which is a common occurrence.How should opened red wine be stored if it's not finished?Let's take a closer look!

Can opened red wine be stored in the refrigerator?

Opened red wine can be stored in the refrigerator.

Once the cork of a red wine bottle is opened, air will begin to react with the wine.Although the wine will not be completely oxidized within a few days, the quality of the wine will decline significantly.If you can't finish it at once, it should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

After opening, red wine should be sealed with a wooden cork and stored in the refrigerator, upright.Red wine can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 week.Red wine does not need to be stored in the refrigerator before opening, but it can be stored in the refrigerator after opening, but not for too long.

How to store opened red wine

Refrigeration

A well-sealed bottle of red wine, almost full, can be stored in the refrigerator for a considerable period.A bottle of "Cru Bourgeois" red wine can be stored for a week or even longer.But you must remember to let the wine reach room temperature before drinking.

Re-sealing

If you know you won't finish a bottle of wine, immediately re-insert the cork completely after pouring, which is particularly applicable to aged red wines. If the cork cannot be re-inserted, you can also use plastic wrap.

Vacuum cork

Use a vacuum pump to remove the air from the wine bottle, which can prevent the wine from coming into contact with oxygen, helping to preserve the wine for longer.Vacuum pumps can usually be purchased at supermarkets or wine shops.

Carbonation

Use specialized tools to inject inert gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen into the wine bottle, which can protect the wine from oxidation.Inert gases covering the surface of the wine can isolate the wine from oxygen, and this method can also be used to preserve wine in a decanter.

Upright

Oxygen is both friend and foe to red wine.When storing a red wine with a re-sealed cork, it is necessary to ensure that the wine bottle is in an upright position to minimize the contact between the wine and oxygen.

Use small bottles

If you have small wine bottles (such as 375ml), keep them.Pouring the remaining wine into a small bottle can reduce the contact between the wine and air.A bottle of wine can be preserved for several years if the wine is full and the bottle is made of fresh and clean cork.Remember not to wash small bottles with detergent or cleaning agents, as residual stains can contaminate the wine.

Tips for storing opened red wine

Keep away from light and heat

Regardless of whether the wine has been opened, it should be placed in a location away from light, to prevent red wine from changing its flavor due to overheating.

Ensure a tight seal on the cork

If you did not initially intend to finish a bottle of red wine, then before drinking, place the wine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, or place it in a cool and ventilated place at home.When pouring, only pour the amount you want to drink into a decanter, and then immediately close the cork.

Store upright

Opened red wine should not be stored horizontally, and should not be moved too much, to reduce the contact between red wine and air.

Use wine preservation devices

If the original cork is damaged, you can use special wine stoppers instead.There are special wine stoppers on the market that can effectively isolate oxygen, and they are also affordable and reusable.

Large bottle to small bottle

Small and delicate wine bottles can be used not only for decoration, but also for storing remaining wine.Divide opened large bottles of red wine into smaller bottles for storage, reducing the space between the wine and the cork.