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How Long Does Sparkling Wine Last?

There’s something magical about uncorking a bottle of sparkling wine, from celebrating life’s moments to enjoying the tranquillity of an evening by the water, sparkling wine is perfect for any occasion. But how long will your bottle retain its charm?

Understanding the shelf life of sparkling wine

The shelf life of sparkling wine depends on certain factors including the colour, manufacturing method, and storage.

Wine colour

Red and rosé sparkling wines tend to last longer than white wines because they have higher levels of tannins, natural compounds found in grape stalks. These tannins act as preservatives, helping to slow down the processes that can cause wine to spoil.

Manufacturing method

The way wine is crafted also plays a role in how long it will stay fresh in the bottle. Finer wines, especially those that are drier, have a longer lifespan. This is because they contain less sugar which can speed up the ageing process, allowing these wines to maintain their quality over time.

Storage conditions

How you store your sparkling wine is crucial. If you store wine improperly, such as upright with a dried-out cork, can spoil quicker as more air can seep in. Proper storage ensures your wine maintains its freshness.

How long does sparkling wine last unopened?

The lifespan of an unopened bottle of sparkling wine depends on its style and quality. For most, you can expect the wine to maintain its character for 1 to 3 years, provided they’re stored with care.

For those sparkling wines that have been crafted with exceptional quality, they can last even longer, ageing gracefully for up to a decade. As they age, these wines slowly reveal deeper, more nuanced flavours.

Bottle of Aphrodise on the side of a pool

How to store unopened sparkling wine

To preserve the quality of your unopened sparkling wine, it’s essential to store it with the utmost care. The cork plays a vital role in maintaining your wine’s integrity, so, if possible, lay the bottles on their side. This ensures the wine has contact with the cork, keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out. If the cork dries out, it could let in air which compromises the wine.

You should also store your sparkling wine in a cool, dark place away from light and unnecessary vibrations. These calm, stable conditions help the wine remain at its best until the time comes to pop it open.

How long does sparkling wine last opened?

For the ultimate experience, a bottle of sparkling wine is best enjoyed on the day it is opened, with its vibrant freshness and lively bubbles at their peak. Drinking the sparkling wine in this moment allows you to fully appreciate the wine’s character.

However, if there happens to be some wine left in the bottle, this can still be enjoyed for 3-4 days after opening, especially with a sparkling wine stopper to help maintain the delicate flavour and to keep the bubbles intact. Recently, Frank Schilling, co-founder of Aphrodise, was quoted in Forbes:

“A proper seal will hold the bubbles in the bottle leaving its vibrancy to be enjoyed without overly aerated carbonation as you digest it.”

How to store opened sparkling wine.

You’ve opened a bottle of your favourite sparkling rosé, raising a glass to celebrate a special moment. As the evening wins down, a bit of wine remains. But how to you preserve its freshness?

To maintain the bubbles and flavour of the sparkling wine, gently seal the bottle with a stopper and place it in the refrigerator, aiming for a temperature of 5-7°c. This careful storage will help to retain the wine’s freshness and ensure it keeps its vibrancy.

Oxygen can subtly diminish the taste and sparkle of your wine. The key to protecting your wine is to invest in a proper wine stopper to seal the bottle with care, preventing loss of carbonation and ensuring it remains as fresh as the moment you opened it.

Signs sparkling wine may have gone bad

Over time, even the finest sparkling wines will naturally reach their end. During the winemaking process, the alcohol development and fermentation of grapes ensures the wine is protected from elements that cause expiration, allowing them to be saved for a longer period of time.

However, as with all of the best things in life, there is a moment where it comes to an end. Here are some of the signs that your wine may have expired.

Odour. After opening your bottle, any aromas that are unpleasant, medicinal, or vinegary can mean your wine is past its expiry date.
Tatste. Take a small sip of the wine and let it linger it in your mouth before spitting it out. If you notice any sour notes, or a sharp vinegary taste, your wine has spoiled.
Colour. An obvious change in colour indicates that chemical changes are happening. This suggests the wine is no longer fit for drinking.

If you suspect your sparkling wine has lost its charm, it’s best to part with it, as it will no longer offer the delightful experience you desire.