Say goodbye to wasting good wine - Learn how to store leftovers like a pro!
If you’re like me, you love a good bottle of wine. But sometimes, life gets in the way and you don’t finish the entire bottle. And let’s face it, you don’t want to waste good wine. So, what’s the best way to store leftover wine? I asked a sommelier, and the answer might surprise you.
Why Storing Leftover Wine is Important
First of all, let’s talk about why storing leftover wine is important. Wine is a delicate thing, and exposure to air can quickly spoil it. Once you open a bottle of wine, it’s exposed to air, and the oxidation process begins. This means that the wine will start to lose its flavor and aroma over time, and eventually become undrinkable.
The Best Way to Store Leftover Wine
So, what’s the solution? According to sommelier James Lechner, the best way to store leftover wine is already in your cabinets – a simple mason jar. That’s right, a mason jar.
Mason Jars: The Surprising Solution
Lechner explains that mason jars are airtight, which is the key to preserving leftover wine. Simply pour the remaining wine into the jar and seal it tightly. This will prevent any air from getting in and spoiling the wine. Plus, mason jars are readily available and inexpensive, making them a practical solution for wine storage.
Temperature Considerations
But what about temperature? Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature, ideally between 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Lechner suggests storing your mason jar of leftover wine in the refrigerator, which will keep it at a consistent cool temperature.
Now, some wine enthusiasts might argue that leftover wine should be stored in a wine fridge, which is specifically designed to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity for wine. While this is true, a wine fridge can be expensive and impractical for everyday use. Lechner emphasizes that a mason jar in the refrigerator will do just fine for most people.
The Shelf Life of Leftover Wine
But what about the length of time that leftover wine can be stored? This is where things get a bit trickier. The general rule of thumb is that red wine can be stored for up to three days, and white wine can be stored for up to five days. However, this is just a guideline, and it ultimately depends on the wine and how it was stored.
Using Your Senses to Determine if Wine is Still Good
Lechner advises using your senses to determine if a leftover wine is still good to drink. Take a sniff of the wine – if it smells off or vinegary, it’s likely gone bad. If it still smells good, give it a taste. If it tastes off or flat, it’s time to pour it out. If it still tastes good, congratulations – you’ve successfully stored your leftover wine!
Prevention: Using a Wine Preserver
Of course, the best way to prevent leftover wine is to not have any in the first place. Lechner suggests using a wine preserver, which is a device that pumps air out of the bottle to prevent oxidation. These can be found at most wine shops and online retailers.
Cheers to Good Wine!
The best way to store leftover wine is with a simple mason jar in the refrigerator. This will keep the wine at a consistent cool temperature and prevent any air from spoiling it. And remember, use your senses to determine if a leftover wine is still good to drink. Cheers!
