Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
open bottle of wine preservation
Compared to vacuum systems, does argon gas work better to preserve an open bottle of wine? What about refrigeration of an open bottle in addition to both methods in order to keep the wine for several days?
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
This is a very popular question, and as a regular wine drinker I appreciate the concern about preserving an open bottle of wine. I have advised others that the simplest and least expensive method is the vacuum or "evacuation" system. Some find that this technique removes desirable aromatic compounds, certainly true with delicate whites and old wines. The partial vacuum only holds about 12 hours or so in my experience. If you want to keep an opened bottle for several days, the gas preservation system is preferable.
Argon or protective gas of some type is used in wineries to prevent oxidation in tank, and it is certainly effective, together with maintaining the wine at a low temperature (equivalent to refrigerating at home). Keeping whites or roses in the refrigerator is fine, but not very convenient for reds because you need to let the wine come to room temperature before drinking.
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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