How To Tell If Box Wine Is Bad Box Wine Shelf Life
Say you opened a box wine, and you could not finish it. Chances are you kept it away for other days.
But what if you forgot about it and weeks have passed by.
How can you tell if your box wine is still fit for consumption? How can you tell if your box wine has gone bad?
One trick to know whether you can still drink it or throw it out is to smell. There is something called cork taint.
Colour is also a great way to tell whether you can drink your box wine or not. If white wine has been exposed to air, it gets browner.
And if red wine has been exposed to air, then it loses its red and purple hue. This is a sign that the wine has gone bad and will not taste good.
If the wine smells like a cork, it has been sitting out for far too long. It needs to be discarded. Do not consume the wine
If the box wine has a leak where air can get in, then your wine will be spoiled. So in case, you find a leak somewhere, then air has probably entered.
When oxygen interacts with the wine, it spoils the taste. This is because of oxidation. It is best not to drink wine that has been left exposed it will taste bad.
Another simple way is to simply look for the best before or expiration date. If you see that the box wine has crossed the best before the time frame, it is better to purchase a new one and dispose the expired product.
How Did Black Box Create The Best Box Wine
Launched in 2003, Black Box Wines was the first Premium boxed wine in America and the first brand to offer AVA-appellated varietals and vintage dating. Second, our grapes are harvested from world-class growing regions, including Californias acclaimed wine country and the lush vineyards of Argentina and Chile. Third, through a meticulous traditional winemaking process, Black Box Wines are crafted to be food-friendly and fruit-forward. And its this attention to detail that made us the number one Premium box wine in the country with more than 50 gold medals and 29 Wine Enthusiast Best Buy awards.
There Are Great Boxed Wines To Be Had
Now, boxed wines sometimes get a bad reputation for being cheap and tasting not so great, but I encourage you to give these options another go. Boxed wines have come a long way since they were first released on the market.
There are so many more wine brands producing these large-scale boxes than ever before. Its not just Franziathough I was pleasantly surprised by their red blend in our boxed wine taste test. Brands like Barefoot, House Wine, The Naked Grape and more are jumping into the boxed wine game, so you can find your go-to varietal in a larger size. Many of these brands are award-winning, so dont count them out!
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How Long Does Box Wine Last Does Box Wine Go Bad
Most of us work and toil all day long. It is only natural that after a long day of work, we would want to unwind.
Different people take to different remedies to unwind.
Alcoholic beverages are one of the most sought after products. Even among alcoholic beverages, many people enjoy sipping wine and de-stressing.
Wine has become a custom and a tradition for many. Be it parties or even small gatherings wine has become a must.
But sometimes we prioritize budget and cannot spend a fortune on the top shelf bottled wine.
So what do we do? We buy box wine, which is better value for money for essentially the same product.
Box wine originated in Australia but has now become internationally available. You may ask, what is box wine?
Well, it is wine in a box.
You may also ask how long does box wine last? This article will clarify questions you have regarding this stellar innovation.
Continue to read to know the truth about box wine and why you should be drinking it.
Boxed Wine Keeps Longer
Heres the biggest reason that I keep a box of wine in my fridge: It keeps longer than an opened bottle. Once opened, a box of wine keeps for several weeks without issue. When you uncork a bottle of wine, however, youre on a time clock. Opened bottles of wine are only good for seven days maximum. If youre not planning on drinking or cooking with it all within a short time frame, opening a new bottle can seem like a waste.
The boxed variety, though, has a plastic bladder inside which helps keep oxygen out , keeping the wine fresher for much longer. My go-to variety of pinot grigio can last me for a month of sipping and cooking, and that works out much better for my kitchen habits.
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How Long Does Fortified Wine Last
Port, sherry, vermouth, and other fortified wines boast a much longer lifespan due to the presence of brandy, and can be enjoyed up to 28 days after opening. You’ll want to keep them away from light and heat to preserve their taste. Notably, Madeira and marsala will last indefinitely once opened as they are already oxidized.
How Long Does Open Wine Last Is The Rule Of Thumb Different For Red And White Wines We Have The Answers Plus A Few Tricks To Keep Your Vino Tasting Fresh After You’ve Popped The Cork
Love a glass of wine with dinner? So do we! But if you dont plan to polish off the whole bottle in a single night, youll be setting it aside for later in the week. This leads to a burning question: How long does open wine last?
Well break down the ins and outs of how long wine stays fresh and share tips for the right way to store a bottle of wine once youve opened it.
Also Check: Turn Bottles Into Glasses
What Is Box Wine
Its exactly what the name says it is – Box wine is wine in a box. Well, technically its wine in a bag-in-box . Wine is contained in a plastic bladder typically with an air-tight valve emerging from a protective corrugated fiberboard box.
So if you were ever worried that box wine isnt safe, dont worry, its not placed directly in a cardboard box, so its pretty safe to drink that way.
How Long Does White Wine Last
The window of most white wines, as well as rosé wine, runs from five to seven days. Full-bodied white wines carry a slightly shorter shelf life as they are exposed to more oxygen before bottling. Try to consume these whites, such as oaked chardonnay, within three to five days.
The window for sparkling wine is much shorter as it loses its carbonation rapidly upon opening. Those sparklings made using the traditional method, like champagne, will last a bit longer as they possess more atmospheric pressure than ones made using the tank method. With a proper preserver, you can extend its shelf life to a few days, but in order to maintain its effervescence, it’s advised to drink it within a day.
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Getting What Is Right For You
Because they both do have their own pros and cons, you have to pick the type of wine that seems right for you and your budget. Do you foresee yourself wanting only a glass of wine every few nights? Maybe a box is what you need. Do you want to be able to have a variety on hand? Maybe you would prefer a bottle of wine instead. What it comes down to is that neither boxed nor bottled wine is necessarily better than the other. They both have their drawbacks and advantages, and you have to decide what is best for you.
Filed Under: Wine InfoTagged With: wine, wine bottle, wine box
About Our Team
Erin is a native Austinite that loves writing, wikipedia, online window-shopping for home goods, and riding on airplanes. When not writing articles at work, you can probably find her winding down with a glass of wine, a book, and her two favorite neurotic cats.
How Long Does Boxed Wine Last
If youre a glass or two of wine a week type of person, you may want to consider exploring the world of boxed wine. Boxed wines have a much longer shelf life compared to bottled wines once opened. Thanks to the airtight bag-in-a-box format, the wine will stay fresh for five to six weeks after youve cracked the tap.
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Pros And Cons Of Bottled Wine
You cannot always determine the quality of wine based on its packaging because there is a such a range of quality in both boxed and bottled wine. How do you know which is better? To determine with more accuracy, you should look at the pros and cons of bottled wine.
Pros of Bottled Wine
- Wine can age. Wine in a bottle can be aged, which is necessary for some types of wine. The fact that it can age also means that wine stays good for longer periods of time in an unopened bottle.
- There are a lot of choices. Because bottled wine has been the standard for so long, there are a lot of options available. The vast majority of wineries only produce bottles of their product.
- You can easily mix and match. Not only is there a large selection, but you can have a selection on hand without needing a large party of friends to help you finish it.
- Youre more likely to try something new. Because you get less wine from a bottle, you are more likely to branch out and try something new when making your next purchase.
- You can use a wine cooler. Your average bottle of wine can be stored in a wine refrigerator. These units are not traditionally built to accommodate wine boxes.
Bottled wine is what you think of as fancy. You can let it age, easily stock a variety of choices and enjoy a variety choices at the store. However, there are some negatives to bottled wine.
Cons of Bottled Wine
Bottled wine has its ups and downs, but where does boxed wine stand?
What Happens When You Open Wine
When the cork or cap of a bottle of wine is removed, oxygen begins to mix in, aerating the wine and accelerating its aging process. Initially, this interaction is welcome: it smooths harsh tannins and releases desirable aromas. However, the oxidation process means that the wine will turn bad within one week.
After you open the wine and are done enjoying it for the moment, replace the cork or cap and store it away. White and sparkling wine should be kept in the fridge, and red and fortified wine should be stored in a cool, dark place. Lower temperatures slow down the chemical reactions that cause wine to lose its flavor and turn bad.
Keep in mind that while best practices will allow wine to be drinkable for days after opening it, you may not enjoy the best version of it. Thats because it will slowly lose its fruit profile and aromas over time. A once delectable wine now becomes simply adequate. Conversely, some harsh, rich wine may be better enjoyed one day after opening, as oxygen will smooth it out.
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No You Are Not Drinking Chemicals
Some people have expressed concerns over whether their boxed wine’s bag has allowed Bisphenol-A, or BPA to seep into the wine that you are drinking. But lucky for all the boxed wine fans out there, almost every single boxed wine is made with polyethlene, one of the safest plastics out there.
The research I’ve done does say almost every, not every single one, however. So if you’re super concerned that you may be consuming some BPA along with your boxed wine, check the box, or check the company’s website to see if they have any information regarding the type of plastic that they use.
Best Budget: Franzia Sunset Blush Pink Wine
Courtesy of Walmart.com
Region: California | ABV: 9% | Tasting Notes: Strawberry, Ripe peach, Grapefruit
No proper boxed wine list is complete without an appearance by Franzia. Founded in 1906, Franzia is one of the worlds most popular wines. Its been known to invade your grandmothers fridge and college dinner parties. The label likes to have a little fun and shouldnt all wine do that? Their Sunset Blush Rosé is as fun as it gets from the perfect pink color to the medium-sweet notes of strawberry, peach and grapefruit. Easily accessible and highly recognizable, this is also one of the most economical selections on our list.
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Now That Your Wine Is Open
Once youre dealing with an open bottle of wine, the clock is really ticking. If you cant finish it in one sitting, white wine will keep in the refrigerator for a few days, while red wine will last for a few weeks. Keep it sealed with the cork and in an upright position to help it last as long as possible, but drink it soon opened wine deteriorates fairly quickly!
You Found An Unopened Bottle Of Wine In Your Closet Now What
So youre cleaning out your storage area and come across a bottle of unopened wine. Maybe it was a gift, or perhaps you had picked it up to surprise someone and never got around to drinking it. Stuff happens.
Can you drink it now?
As youve probably already guessed if youve been reading carefully, it depends. Follow these steps to decide if your unopened white wine of California Pinot Noir is still worthy of consumption.
1. Check the Expiration Date
Dust off the bottle and check the expiration date also known as the best by or drink by date. Keep in mind that this is just a suggestion about when the bottle will taste its best. With that date in mind, use the chart above to see if your bottle is within range. If so, drink away!
2. Check the Vintage Year
If theres no expiration date, the vintage date is the next best thing. This is the year emblazoned on the wine label and lets you know what year the grapes were harvested for that particular bottle. If you have this date handy, you can estimate the expiration date easily. Add a year to white wine and two years to red, then use the chart above to see if your wine is with range to drink.
3. Consider the Type or Wine
- Cabernet Franc
- Red Bordeaux
- Bandol
Pro Tip: Not sure what you have on your hands? Take it to a local wine shop and ask their opinion about whether its worth drinking or should be poured down the drain.
4. Test It Out
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Should You Freeze Boxed Wine
I still go with no. Freezing boxed wine is a lot safer than bottled wines because you dont have to worry about glass cracking. Generally speaking, wine responds much better to freezing than heating.
Scientific studies performed by Pérez-Coello & colleagues and by Scrimgeour & colleagues confirm that storing wine in warmer temperatures can negatively impact wine. That said, wine can be damaged and lessen in quality after it freezes and thaws.
I can see the value of freezing wine for use in cooking later on or if you bought a lot of wine in bulk. All-in-all, I dont think youll experience anything bad by freezing your boxed wine but I would just recommend not doing it in general.
How To Choose A Box Of Wine
Because most boxed wines contain the equivalent of two or more bottles of wine, picking one can feel like a bit of a commitment. If youre going to be sipping and splashing that wine into recipes for the next few weeks, you want it to be one to enjoy. So how do you pick the right one for you?
If its your first time buying boxed wine, stick with what you know from the bottled wine world. Love a dry red? Grab a cabernet. Want something lighter but not overly sweet? Stick with a sauvignon blanc. If youre craving something fruity and delicatesnag some rosé. If youre finding yourself deciding between brands, check the tasting notes on the box.
If you want my recommendation, though, opt for Bota Boxs pinot grigio. Its never done me or a recipe wrong.
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La Petite Frog Picpoul
Dont get us wrongwe love a great French white. But theyre often très expensive. Not this bright, zippy pick from Languedoc in southern France. Its made from the underrated Picpoul grape, known for its lemony aroma. Take it from us: If youre a fan of refreshing minerality, do yourself a favor and stock up.
Wine Is A Cooking Must
Frequent home cooks know that plenty of recipes call for a splash of wine. Many of these disheslike comforting soups, risotto and braisesare regulars on my menu at home. In all these recipes, the wine adds an extra layer of flavor which makes for next-level cooking.
Even if a recipe doesnt call for wine, its a handy ingredient to keep in the kitchen. Wine is a great way to deglaze a pan. Deglazing is using a liquid to lift up all the baked-on bits left in your pan. From there you can make an easy pan saucelike with this juicy chicken recipe.
But I know what youre thinkingyou can use any wine for these recipes, you dont have to use the bulky boxed variety.
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