Wine lovers get excited by the prospect of aging wine. We love the idea of buying something and then watching as the value increases year after year. But can old wine make you sick?
In this article we take a look at the do’s and donts of wine aging and storage, to help you to decide whether you should drink that mysterious, dusty old bottle you’ve discovered in the basement.
Whether you’re unsure about a bottle you’ve tried to age, or want to know if the opened bottle of wine you left in the fridge last night is safe to drink today, well guide you through everything you need to know.
Can You Drink Spoiled Wine? Wine that has gone bad isn’t likely to harm you if you consume it. Unlike perishable foods, wine probably won’t harm you if it’s oxidized or has gone through a second fermentation. However, “bad” wine is not the ideal way to enjoy a glass, so ultimately it’s all about taste.
Why You Shouldn’t Age All Wine
Contrary to popular belief, not all wine benefits from aging. In fact, it’s actually a very small percentage that does — a meager 2% of wines produced will be suitable for aging.
The problem is, many wine lovers romanticize the idea of keeping an extra special bottle for a suitable occasion. Then when the big birthday or wedding arrives, the wine they’ve been carefully hoarding is spoiled and undrinkable.
Most wines are produced to be drunk straight away. After a year of so on your shelf, that bottle you’ve been saving for your 20th wedding anniversary will start to decline in quality, dull in color and even start to taste like vinegar.
As most bottles of wine are sealed with a cork, within time the cork will deteriorate, and oxygen will begin to seep into the wine. This causes oxidation, which is bad news for your wine.
Our advice? Drink your store-bought wine soon after buying it. Chances are it won’t be suitable for aging, so don’t risk it. However, if you really want to buy a bottle for aging we have a few pieces of advice.
How To Tell If Wine Has Gone Bad
Can old wine make you sick? No, not really. There’s nothing too horrific lurking in poorly aged wine that would have you running to the emergency room. However, the liquid that could come out of that bottle may make you feel sick from the color and smell alone. The taste will also be very unpleasant.
If you have aged a bottle of wine, you may want to give it a thorough once-over before pouring yourself a glass. Look out for these key signs your wine has gone bad.
If a bottle of red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot has gone bad, those lovely purple hues will have started to change. When left to its own devices, red wine can go a murky brown. When white wines go bad their pale yellow colors turn to darker, golden hues.
Upon opening your bottle, be sure to give it a quick sniff before pouring. If your wine is “corked” or suffering from “cork taint” it will give off the smell of wet cardboard or even wet dog.
Your nose can also tell you if the wine may have oxidized. Look out for sharp acidic smells, similar to nail polish remover.
Finally, if you’re brave enough, you can sip it to find out how the wine tastes. Wine that has gone bad may feel “flabby” in the mouth, the flavors may be much sharper and the general experience may be dull and uninspired.
How to Tell if Wine Has Gone Bad
FAQ
Can you drink wine that has turned?
Can drinking spoiled wine make you sick?
Does spoiled wine still have alcohol?
Can you drink wine that has gone bad?
A person should not drink wine that has gone bad. However, in some instances, tasting a small amount is a good way to determine whether the wine is still okay to drink. If wine has gone bad, it may have changed in flavor. Bad wine often has a sharp and sour taste resembling that of vinegar.
Is it good to drink a glass of red wine before bed?
It is a controversial subject as some can benefit from the compounds present in wine and sleep well, but others can feel the effects of alcohol and not get a good night’s sleep.
Does wine go bad before a person opens it?
Some wine may go bad before a person opens it, which is often due to the wine being faulty. Faulty wine can have a garlic odor or smell similar to cabbage or burnt rubber. A person should not drink wine that has gone bad. However, in some instances, tasting a small amount is a good way to determine whether the wine is still okay to drink.
Can you cook with bad wine?
There’s no fun in cooking with bad wine —it does nothing to help the flavor of your dish. As far as vinegar goes, once you get the hang of it, making vinegar from leftover wine can be a good way to use every last drop. But I wouldn’t recommend using bad wine to make vinegar. If a wine has TCA, you risk your whole batch taking on a musty note.