People have different preferences when it comes to drinks. An example of a go-to drink is red wine for many people who can handle it. However, there are times when it tastes off after putting it in the fridge for storage after opening it for the first time, which raises many questions about its shelf life.

This article will discuss everything there is to know about red wine's shelf life. Read on below to get started.

More about red wine

Red wine is one of the most popular drinks of choice. It is a type of alcoholic beverage that contains various kinds of alcohol, such as ethanol, methanol, and others. The red colour of red wine comes from the chemicals called anthocyanin which are also found in red fruit.

Like many things, however, not all red wines are created equal. Wines that are known to be more expensive are also of a higher quality. Some of the factors that determine the quality of wine include the type of grape used, the year it was produced, and the process of winemaking. These factors often affect the shelf life of red wine.

Red wine shelf life

The first thing you need to know is that oxygen influences red wine. It may sound ridiculous, but it's true. When oxygen interacts with red wine, the wine will lose its flavours and become oxidised, thus affecting the taste. So, it's best to put your red wine in an airtight container.

How long do open red wine bottles last?

If you want to know how long your opened bottle of red wine will last, we recommend that you do a taste test. Some people may enjoy their opened red wine for up to a week. For others, it may only last for two days. It all depends on how sensitive you are to the taste of red wine.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid drinking wine that has been stored in the fridge for a few weeks. Wines stored in the refrigerator tend to get flatter and lose their flavour.

Tips for storing red wine

There are several things you can do to make your opened bottle of red wine last longer. Here's what you can do:

Transfer it to a decanter

Once you have opened a bottle of wine, it is best to transfer it to a glass decanter. This is to prevent oxidation and to protect it from losing its flavour.

Put an air-tight lid on your bottle

If you want your bottle of red wine to last longer, you should put an air-tight lid on your bottle. This will ensure that no air will get in and affect the quality of the wine.

Store it in the right temperature

You should store your opened bottle of red wine in a dark and dry place with a temperature between 8°C to 15°C (46° to 60°F), which is the ideal temperature for storing red wine.

Have a wine rack

If you plan on enjoying your red wine on other occasions, you should think of a way to keep your wine fresh and away from the air. You can invest in a wine rack that has a domed lid and a way to keep air out.

In the end, it's up to you when to drink your red wine. You can enjoy it immediately and within a few days, or you can store it for a few weeks or a couple of months and enjoy it later on. Just be sure that you keep it properly to prolong its shelf life.