Fruity, oaky, zesty, tart – wine is like a never-ending taste adventure. If you’re a wine lover, you know how much a perfectly good bottle means. But what if your wine is no longer what it used to be? Does getting older always make things better? Spoiler: No, it all depends on how you store it. You may have opened a bottle but not finished it and now it is just lying there. At your next gathering, you’ll be staring at it wondering, “Is this still drinkable?” been there done that? No worries, we’ve got you. Master of Wine Sonal C. Holland tells Tea (or should we say wine?) on Instagram that your wine has gone south.
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Here are 3 easy ways to tell if your wine has gone bad:
1. Check out how it looks
Start with a good look. Check the color and texture – does it look a little off? Sonal says this is especially for wines that are considered clear. If it’s cloudy or there’s a weird film floating around, don’t even think about drinking it. That cloud? This is a sign of bacterial activity. The appearance of a great wine will always be clean and clear.
2. Smell it
Still unsure? smell it. According to Sonal, this is one of the clearest ways of understanding things. A good wine smells wonderful – think fruity, floral or musty, depending on the type. But if it smells like chemicals or has medicinal properties, it’s officially done. Some bad wines even smell like straight up vinegar. Gross, right?
3. Take a sip (if you dare)
Missed visual and olfactory cues? Well, one sip will tell you everything. Spoiled wine will taste like vinegar, horseradish, or caramel, which is very bad. If you taste any of these, say goodbye to that bottle. A good wine? Its taste should always be balanced and soft.
Also read: Wine Glossary: General Terminology Every Wine Lover Should Know
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How to store your wine correctly
Wine only stays great if you store it properly. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your bottle tasting its best:
1. Right temperature
Temperature matters more than you think! Too hot, and your wine can age very quickly; Too cold, and the flavor profile may be bland. Aim for a sweet spot of 55 °F (13 °C) for the perfect balance.
2. Keep it horizontal
Storing the bottle on its side ensures that the cork remains moist and does not shrink. Dry corks can let in air, which can spoil the wine. So, horizontal storage is a win-win.
3. Avoid direct sunlight
Sunlight is wine’s worst enemy. This can mess with the chemistry of the wine, causing it to lose flavor or age prematurely. A cool, dark place is where your wine wants to live.
4. Keep the temperature constant
Temperature fluctuations are just as harmful as storing at the wrong temperature. Keep your wine in a stable environment to prevent spoilage.
5. Humidity is key
Ideally, keep your storage area at around 60-70% humidity. Too dry, and the cork may dry out. Too much moisture, and you risk mold.
6. Use a wine fridge if necessary
If you don’t have a naturally cool, dark place to store your wine, investing in a wine fridge may be your best option. It maintains perfect conditions throughout the year.
7. Seal it immediately after opening
Once opened, reseal your wine tightly and store it upright in the refrigerator to slow oxidation. For sparkling wines, use a proper stopper to retain the fizz.
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just starting your journey, these tips can save you from a bad sip. And, don’t forget to drink responsibly. to encourage!
