It is common to believe that wine gets better with age. Although there are some truths to this assertion, it is not entirely accurate. Wine has a short shelf life. It is important to store it properly. The majority of wines that are average will eventually expire and become unpalatable to drink.
We’ll take a closer look at wine expiration and where you can find the expiration date for wine you’ve picked.
Is it possible to find the expiration date for a wine bottle?
First, you won’t always find one. Wine does not last forever, but many bottles don’t specify an expiry date. We will explore the reasons behind this in a moment.
The short answer to your question is, “If there is one”, you will usually find it on the bottom.
What happens if there’s no expiration date
There is rarely a clear expiration date, as stated above. You need to exercise your judgment in this instance. The majority of good wines will indicate the year or the vintage they were made. This should provide some guidance.
You will see a “best before” indication on some wines. This indicates when it is best to drink the wine before it spoils. This is usually found at the bottom.
Why is it that some wines don’t have an expiration date
The expiration date is mainly determined by the wine’s quality, type, and storage conditions. It is not possible to know the exact expiration date.
Wine that has reached its peak is safe, but not necessarily dangerous. It may be slightly bitter and vinegary.
Red Wine vs. White Wine
Red wine will age longer and become more complex over time, all things being equal. This is because red wine has a higher tannin content. This is due to the fact that the grape skins and seeds are often used in red wine, but not as frequently in white wines.
Tannins are known to slow down or prevent pro-oxidative enzymes. This is what causes wine to oxidize or spoil over time. The longer the wine lasts, the darker and more richer reds will have more tannins.
What is the maximum time you can keep a red and white wine?
It all depends on how it is stored, its quality, and its richness. Although it is important to keep wine fresh for at least a few years after its expiration date, good quality wine should be stored properly so that it can last several more years.
Unopened wines are exempt from this restriction. A good red wine will last for three years or more, while white wines can be enjoyed for up to two years.
Qualitative
This is especially important for red wine. Red wines of high quality can last many years if stored in the right conditions. Most reds that we purchase are less expensive but have a shorter shelf-life.
You will not be able to keep your red wine for more than a decade. The life expectancy of a more expensive wine may be longer.
You might need to do some research and have experience in order to find the best wines that will last. You should always enjoy the wine before it is too late.
How to store wine
This is crucial for wine’s longevity. It should be kept at a consistent temperature and not exposed to sunlight. To keep the cork moist, it should be kept horizontally
These are just the basics. We could write an entire article about the best way to store wine for optimal results.
Open Wine
This is a huge change. The expiration date of a bottle is no longer an issue once it has been opened. Wine has been exposed oxygen and will begin to deteriorate quickly. It should be consumed within a few hours.
The wine should be kept in a refrigerator, vertically stored in the case and with the original cork. You will only get the wine for a few days.
Do I have to drink old wine?
This is not usually the case. Although it might not taste good, it is unlikely to cause you any illness.
How to tell if wine is past its prime
First, check the smell. Old wine will have a musty odor. A musty smell can be detected in old wines. Some wines may have strong aromas, but you should not be able detect the wine’s pasty smell.
Also, take a look at the cork. This is an indicator that the wine was left too long. Corked wine, also known as corked wine, is a sign that the wine has become less great.
Fizzy wines should be avoided. This indicates that the fermentation process is over and will likely be unpalatable.
It is best to taste the wine. Even an inexperienced amateur can tell if wine has gone bad.
Conclusion
Although not all wines have an expiration day, most do. They are usually located on the bottom of the bottle. Important indicators include the vintage and sealed dates.
Wine should be stored properly and maintained in good condition to ensure its longevity.
