Expiration & Storage Tips
When does malbec red wine expire?
Unopened, a bottle of Malbec red wine can last up to 3-5 years when stored in ideal conditions. Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-5 days for optimal taste. If your Malbec is homemade, expect a shorter shelf life of around 1-2 years if unopened. Freezing isn't typically done for wines, as the low temperatures can ruin the texture and flavors.
How do you tell if malbec red wine is bad?
Wine, including Malbec, has a distinctive sour, vinegar-like smell when it goes bad, so that's the first cue. The color may also change; red wines can become brownish, and white wines can become darker. Taste can be another indicator. Bad wine may taste flat, sour, or like vinegar. If your wine has any sort of unpleasant smell, changes in color, or bad taste, it's best not to consume it.
Tips for storing malbec red wine to extend shelf life
• Store the wine in a cool, dark place to prevent light and heat from damaging it. The ideal storage temperature range is between 53°F and 57°F, though anything between 45°F to 65°F should be safe.
• Try to store your wine on its side, especially if it has a cork. This keeps the cork moist, reducing the chance that it will dry out and let air into the bottle, which could spoil the wine.
• Refrigerate your wine once it's been opened to slow down the oxidation process and remember to seal it well. Traditional wine stoppers or small wine pumps can both work effectively.
• If you drink wine infrequently, consider investing in a wine preserver. These devices remove air from the bottle and reseal it, effectively halting the oxidation process that makes wine go bad.
• Keep the vibration to a minimum; avoid storing your wine on top of the refrigerator or next to a machine that can shake it. Vibration can disturb the sediment in the bottle, which can lead to more rapid degradation of the wine.