So, you’ve been on a wine tour in the Barossa Valley, and sampled some delicious reds. Maybe you’ve bought a bottle or two? But how long does it last for? Does red wine go bad? Here’s all you need to know about your new bottle of wine.
Does red wine go bad? Do you have to drink the whole thing in one go?
Traditional wine-making methods are used with many of the Barossa Valley reds. From stomping on the vines to release the flavour of the grapes, or keeping the wines in seasoned oaks. This is to help give the wine a long-lasting, rich flavour. Setting out to make an Australian version of Bordeaux and taking inspiration from the original French style. Spicy notes of rich berries and hints of tobacco make the Barossa reds some of the most memorable wines in all of Australia. Sip on a Barossa Shiraz when you go on your wine tour!
This flavour can sometimes be changed if the wine is left open for too long.
Oxidisation
As soon as the bottle is opened, it will start to oxidise. It’s exposed to oxygen, and this causes loss of freshness and flavour.
So how can you keep wine fresh? To keep your wine fresh, keep the cork inside it, or put a wine stopper inside. This will minimise the oxygen exposure from your wine bottle.
To fully enjoy your wine, make sure you consume it within 3-5 days to keep it’s optimal flavour and taste quality.
Red wines have a higher tannin than whites normally. With white wines, try and consume them up to three days after opening, and keep them in the fridge.
Lighter reds?
If your wine has been open for longer than a week, then it is not advisable to drink – but of course it’s all up to taste!
Can I drink open wine after a month? If your wine is fortified, and it’s currently stored, then yes. That’s because there’s a splash of brandy added to the final blend, and this high alcohol content keeps the wine fresh. Think of wines like ports, tawny and opaque, which all stay fresh for another 28 days.
Got any wine leftover that has gone bad?
If you have wine left open that you think might spoil, then you might want to consider adding it to your cooking! Add your red wine to a rich, meaty sauce or a gravy.
Is there an end date?
Officially, there is no solid expiration date on wines, and that’s normally because of the high alcohol content. There might be a suggested date, but with red wine, it can be kept up to three years past this date. So while there is no official expiry date on red wine, there is a certain time that it is recommended you drink it by.
How to tell if your wine has passed its prime:
– Oxidised…has a Reddy brown or brick colour. It might smell dirty
– Aromas of gas, sulphur, and burnt rubber
– Very acidic and smells a bit like acetone
But ultimately, if your wine has gone out of date…you’ll know about it!
Join a wine tour…
To see what all the fuss is about, come and join a Barossa wine tour and sip on some delicious wines. Sample a taste of the famous Barossa Shiraz, and add to your wine rack!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.