How long can you keep open white wine?

Once you pop the cork on a white wine, the countdown begins. How fast the clock ticks depends on the wine's style, how much is left in the bottle, and how you store it.

Light, aromatic whites go fastest. Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, Pinot Grigio, and dry Riesling rely on delicate volatile compounds for their signature freshness. These molecules oxidise quickly, and by day two, the wine already tastes noticeably flatter. Drink these within 48 hours for the best experience.

Fuller, oak-aged whites are tougher. A good Burgundy Chardonnay, white Bordeaux, or oaked Viognier has been exposed to controlled oxygen during barrel ageing, making it more resistant to further oxidation. These can taste great for 4-5 days if properly stored.

Sweet whites are the marathon runners. The sugar in a Sauternes, late-harvest Gewurztraminer, or Tokaji acts as a natural preservative. These can last 7-10 days in the fridge — sometimes even longer.

Maximise your open-bottle life with these tips: re-cork immediately after every pour (don't leave it open on the counter). Use a vacuum pump — it adds 2-3 days. Always refrigerate, even if you prefer your white at a slightly warmer temperature (just take it out 10 minutes before pouring). And remember: the more wine left in the bottle, the less air there is to cause trouble. If there's just a glass left, drink it rather than trying to save it.