How to reseal a wine bottle? Reopening a wine bottle can be a tricky task for the uninitiated. Whether to finish off a tasty merlot or an expensive cabernet sauvignon, knowing how to reseal your opened wine bottles properly will help preserve that delightful flavor until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
In this topic, we will give clear instructions on how to safely close and store your cherished wines and discuss tools and materials available for completing the job or making reopening easier. So let’s get started…
How To Reseal A Bottle Of Wine?
With the Cork
The best way to keep your wine fresh is to use the original cork from the bottle. If stored correctly, a properly sealed bottle of wine will remain good for up to three weeks once opened. To reseal, firmly press the cork back into the neck of the bottle and wipe away any excess liquid or residue.
If the cork is in bad condition, you can use a wine stopper to help seal the bottle. Many types of stoppers are on the market, ranging from basic silicone caps to more sophisticated vacuum sealers. Vacuum sealers extract air from the bottle and replace it with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen. This helps preserve the flavor and aroma of the wine by keeping oxygen out and limiting exposure to air.
Read more:
- How To Store Vermouth?
- 6 Ways To Store Wine Without a Cork
- How Many Bottles in a Case of Wine for Your Collection
- Sparkling Wine Sweetness Levels
Reusable Rubber Stopper
If you don’t have a cork or stopper handy, you can always use a reusable rubber stopper. These are made of super soft silicone and fit snugly into the neck of the bottle. Push it down gently until it expands and forms an airtight seal. The advantage of using a rubber stopper is that you can reuse it multiple times. Just clean them after each use and store them with the bottle in a cool, dark place.
You can find wine rubber stoppers at any market or winemaking supply store.
Wax Paper Or Alum Foil
If all else fails, seal your bottle with wax paper or aluminum foil. To maintain wine quality, use a wine brush or clean cloth to clean the interior of the bottleneck. Cut a small piece of either material and push it into the neck of the bottle until it’s secure. The wax paper or foil will act as a barrier that prevents air from entering the bottle, extending its shelf life and keeping the wine fresh for longer.
Once you’re ready to enjoy your wine again, remove the wax paper or foil from the bottle and proceed with the opening as usual. Remember that this is only a temporary solution and should be used only occasionally.
Paper Tower
You can also use a paper towel or cotton swabs in a pinch to seal your bottle. While more effective than using cork, stoppers, wax paper, or aluminum foil, it’s a quick and easy solution that should help keep the wine fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it.
To do this:
- Take a wide, two-inch paper towel.
- Roll it from the shorter ends until it resembles a bottle stopper.
- You can measure it against the mouth of the bottle to check for fit and trim it if necessary.
- Then wrap the entire stopper in plastic wrap and secure it with tape.
- Place it on top of the bottle and twist and push until it is in the correct position.
Paper towels are not good as rubber or silicone stoppers, but they are still an effective way to reseal wine bottles in a pinch. Remember, the best way to keep your wine fresh is to use the original cork or stopper from the bottle, as these materials provide better protection against oxidation and flavor loss. With these tips in mind, you can now be sure that your favorite wines will stay fresh and ready to enjoy for the long haul.
Wine Saver
For those who want to avoid dealing with all the hassle of resealing a bottle, there are also products specifically designed for this purpose. Wine savers work by extracting air from the bottle and replacing it with an inert gas or vacuum sealer that helps preserve the wine’s taste and aroma. These devices are easy to use and a great way to enjoy your wine without worrying about oxidation or flavor loss. They come in many shapes and sizes, and some even come with a pump or spout. Wine savers are a great option if you plan to store or age your wine for around 2 weeks.
How To Store A Wine Bottle
Once you’ve sealed your wine bottle, storing it in the right condition is important. The ideal temperature for storing wine is between 54-57°F (12-14°C). Make sure to keep bottles away from light and heat sources, as these can cause chemical reactions that can spoil the flavor of the wine. Also, always store bottles on their sides so the cork remains moist and doesn’t dry out.
Finally, consider using a vacuum storage system when storing larger batches of opened wine bottles. It will help keep oxygen out and prevent oxidation from occurring. You can find readymade vacuum sealers at most winemaking supply stores or online retailers.
How Long Does Wine Last After Opening?
Upon being opened and resealed, the following wines have a duration
- Sparkling wine: Consume within 1-2 days of opening.
- Light white wine: Best consumed within 4-5 days of opening.
- Red wine and rich white wine: Can last 3-6 days after opening.
- Dessert wine: Should be consumed within 3-7 days of opening.
- Ports: Can last up to 1-3 weeks after opening if stored properly.
Why Reseal Wine?
It is important to reseal wine after it has been opened to keep its flavor and aroma as fresh and flavorful as possible. Oxygen can cause oxidation, leading to the wine becoming sour and flat. Sealing the bottle with wax paper or foil prevents air from entering the bottle and helps your wine stay fresher for longer. Additionally, resealing your wine can help you stretch the life of your bottle and avoid waste.
What do you need to reseal a wine bottle?
You will need a few basic items to reseal a wine bottle properly.
- Wine stopper or cork
- Wine vacuum pump (optional)
- Wine preserver spray (optional)
- Clean cloth or napkin (to wipe the bottle’s neck)
- Wine pourer (optional to prevent spills)
Ensure the wine stopper or cork fits tightly into the bottle to prevent air from entering and oxidizing the wine.
FAQs
Can you Recork wine after opening?
Yes, you can record wine after opening. However, using the right cork or stopper is important as these materials provide better protection against oxidation and flavor loss than paper towels or plastic wrap. Additionally, ensure that the cork fits tightly into the bottle before sealing it to ensure maximum freshness and quality.
How long is wine good for after opening?
3-5 days are the generally accepted timeframe for opened wine. This includes sparkling, light white, red, and rich white wines.
Is it OK to drink wine 5 days after opening?
It could be better if it opens for 5 days. The best way to enjoy your wines is to consume them within the recommended timeframe after opening.
Conclusion
Properly storing your wines is key to preserving their flavor and aroma. Vacuum sealers, wine stoppers, or preserver sprays can help keep your wine fresh longer. Make sure to store bottles in the right conditions – away from light and heat sources, in a cool place – and always on their side so the cork doesn’t dry out. Lastly, drink wine opened within 3-5 days for optimal taste and quality.
After this topic, I hope the above information has provided all you need. Leave a comment below if you have any other questions!
My name is Selena Lowe and I am a professional woman working in the wine industry in the United States. With over 10 years of experience in the field, I have honed my skills in wine assessment and have become a trusted authority in the industry. My passion for wine has led me to pursue a career in this field and I find great joy in exploring the nuances and complexities of different varieties and vintages. As an experienced wine assessor, I pride myself on my ability to identify the subtle characteristics of each wine and to evaluate its quality and potential. I am dedicated to my work and strive to continually expand my knowledge and expertise in this fascinating field.