How to preserve Port wine after opening: a complete guide

Factors affecting the conservation of Port wine

• Exposure to oxygen: The main enemy of Port wine after opening is oxygen. Prolonged exposure to air can lead to oxidation, altering the wine's taste and aroma.
• Temperature: Inadequate storage temperature can damage the quality of Port wine.
• Light: Light, especially direct sunlight, can damage Port.

Tips for preserving Port wine after opening

• Use a vacuum stopper: A vacuum stopper is an essential accessory for preserving Port wine. It removes air from the bottle, reducing oxidation.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Port wine should be stored in a cool, dark place at a constant temperature, ideally between 50°F/10°C and 60°F/15°C.
• Keep the bottle upright: Once opened, Port should be stored upright to minimize the area of contact with air.
• Transfer to a smaller bottle: If the original bottle is almost empty, transfer the Port to a smaller bottle to reduce the amount of air present.

How long Port wine keeps after opening

The shelf life of Port wine after opening varies according to the type:

• Ruby Port: Ruby Ports, such as Ruby, Tawny and Rosé, can last up to two weeks after opening, if stored correctly.
• LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port: LBV Ports can last up to three weeks after opening if stored correctly.
• Vintage Port: Vintage Ports are more delicate and should be consumed within a few days of opening, even with proper storage.

Extra tips

• Try argon gas stoppers: Argon gas is an inert gas that can be used to protect Port wine from oxidation. There are stoppers and other devices that release argon gas into the bottle.
• Consider buying a wine preservation system: If you consume Port wine infrequently, a wine preservation system could be an interesting investment. These systems use different methods to preserve the wine, such as removing air or injecting inert gas.

Did you like the tips?

By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your Port wine for longer after opening, maintaining its quality and flavor. Remember that the shelf life can vary according to the type of Port and the storage conditions, so look at the wine and use your common sense to determine if it is still good to drink.

Sources of information

The information presented in this article has been based on several reliable sources, including:

• Taylor's Port
• Cálem Port
• VMV Wines

Read also:

Broken cap? DON'T PANIC! Here's how to save your evening

Opening a bottle of wine should be a moment of pleasure, but what to do if the cork breaks? Here are some practical ways to remove a broken cork and save the wine so it doesn't ruin your evening.

Foolproof tips for getting food and drink stains out of your clothes!

Food stains can be a real nightmare for anyone, whether on clothes, carpets or other fabrics. But don't despair: with the right techniques, you can remove most food stains, leaving your garments looking as good as new.