Can wine spoil? Key signs to watch for
How to recognize that wine has gone bad (photo: Freepik)
Regardless of the occasion you are celebrating, wine sometimes may have an unpleasant taste, which can be attributed to various factors. Before you start pouring the bottle down the sink, it's worth understanding what might cause the wine to spoil and how to avoid it, according to the Martha Stewart website.
Does wine spoil?
Winemaker Patricia Toth explains that true spoilage of wine is rare. It largely depends on storage conditions. If everything is kept under control and within the ideal range of temperature, light, and humidity, wine generally won’t spoil by itself.
Improper storage, however, can cause even the highest quality wines to deteriorate slightly. Signs of spoilage include strong, sharp odors, loss of color, or complete cloudiness.
Wine is constantly evolving, even while in the bottle. A mixture of chemical reactions, acids, and sugars creates a complex and continually changing process.
For the average wine lover who doesn't store bottles in a carefully controlled wine cellar, there's nothing to worry about. If you keep a few bottles in the kitchen and drink the wine shortly after purchase, it is unlikely to spoil.
Signs of bad wine
Visual indicators
The first thing you may notice is a change in color. As they age, red wines can develop a brick-red or brownish tint, while white wines may appear more golden or slightly amber.
Sediment or cloudiness can also indicate that the wine has spoiled.
Smell
Poor-quality or spoiled wine often has an unpleasant, distinctive odor. It’s best to avoid such wines to protect your health.
Taste and texture changes
If the wine is thick or syrupy, it may have been stored in a warm place. If you detect fizzing or bubbles, your wine might be undergoing secondary fermentation.
This suggests it wasn’t properly sterilized before bottling. This is especially true for red wines that are not intended to be sparkling.
How to prevent wine spoilage
Proper storage
Store wine in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. If possible, keep unopened bottles on their sides to keep the cork moist, which helps maintain a seal.
This is especially important for older wines and those with natural corks.
Sealing opened bottles
After opening a bottle, seal it as tightly as possible to minimize oxygen exposure. Investing in a good wine stopper can help extend the wine’s shelf life.
If you don’t plan to drink the bottle within a few days, transfer the remaining wine to a smaller container.
Earlier, we reported what would happen to the body if you gave up sugary carbonated drinks.
We also wrote about how many cups of coffee a day increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
