How Long Can Wine Be Stored?

Many people often wonder how long a bottle of wine can be stored before drinking it. The answer is: well, it depends. Fruity light unoaked wines such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Muscat Canelli, Gewurztraminer, blushes, and rose’ should be consumed within 2-3 years. The joy of these wines is in the fruity freshness. Though you still could drink these wines later, the freshness will be gone after the first 2-3 years.

Oaked white wines live longer and can be enjoyed after 5-7 years. Light fruity reds with moderate tannin can be saved 5-8 years. Big oaky reds usually can live up to 20 years. Very few wines can live 100 years and still be palatable. However, Port is one exception. It can be stored for 50-100 years! The problem you will run into is that the natural cork will not last that long