How Long Does an Open Bottle of Wine Last?

Opening a bottle of wine is a joyful moment. But what happens if you don't finish it? How long can you keep an open bottle of Bordeaux wine, and how should you store it? Here are some tips and rules to help you enjoy your wine over the following days.

Why Does Open Wine Spoil Quickly?

After opening, wine begins to react with oxygen. At first, this enhances its aroma and taste, but over time oxidation causes the wine to lose its fruitiness and freshness, eventually developing undesirable notes. That's why it is important to know how long wine can stay open.

How Long Does an Open Bottle of Wine Last? Overview by Type:

Red Wine (including Bordeaux)

• Regular red wines last 3–5 days when stored in a cool place and properly sealed.
• High-quality Bordeaux wines, which have a more pronounced structure and higher tannin content, are more resilient. Tannins and acidity help the wine "fight" oxidation. Under ideal conditions, a quality Bordeaux can remain drinkable for up to 5–7 days.

White and Rosé Wines

• These wines are more delicate and usually last a shorter time — typically 2 to 4 days. Fresh, aromatic white wines lose their fruity and floral aromas the fastest.

Sparkling Wines

• Sparkling wines like Champagne or Crémant from Bordeaux lose their bubbles very quickly.
• With a special stopper, they can remain drinkable for 1–3 days.

Fortified Wines (e.g., Port)

• Thanks to higher alcohol content, they can last several weeks.

How to Extend the Life of Open Wine

Proper storage significantly affects how long an open wine will stay fresh.

Keep Wine Chilled

• Even red wine should be stored in the refrigerator. Lower temperatures slow down oxidation processes.
• Let the wine warm up to room temperature before serving.

Seal the Bottle

• Use the original cork or a special stopper to limit oxygen exposure.

Transfer to a Smaller Bottle

• If possible, pour the remaining wine into a smaller container to minimize air exposure.

Vacuum Pumps

• These remove air from the bottle and help keep the wine fresher for longer.

Inert Gases

• Professional solutions use gases like argon to displace oxygen. This is suitable for serious wine lovers and collectors.

The Specifics of Bordeaux Wines in Storage

Bordeaux wine is exceptional not only for its origin and quality but also for its age and structure. These wines usually have higher tannin content and good acidity, which makes them more resistant to oxidation compared to lighter wines.

However, Bordeaux wines are often an investment in the experience — and should be enjoyed while they are in their prime. We recommend monitoring the wine after opening. If it starts to lose its fruitiness and becomes "tired," it is time to finish the bottle.

Summary: How Long Does an Open Bottle of Wine Last?

Every wine reacts differently. The more structured and tannic the wine, the longer it can last after opening. Bordeaux wines are among the more resilient, but we still recommend drinking them while they are at their best to enjoy their full beauty.