In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can unopened wine go bad in the fridge? We will discuss how to store opened and unopened wine bottles and some tips on making your alcoholic beverage taste good.
Can unopened wine go bad in the fridge?
Unopened wine will not go bad in the fridge. You can keep an unopened wine bottle in the fridge if you would like to drink it chilled.
Before serving wine, keep the unopened wine bottle in the fridge for a few hours or days. It is not recommended to store wine in a kitchen fridge for years.
The class of beverages that belong in the refrigerator are white wines, champagnes, beers, and ciders. All of the mentioned drinks are chilled before serving.
Such alcoholic drinks have a higher water-to-alcohol ratio, hence, they would spoil faster than hard liqueurs. Refrigerating these alcoholic drinks after opening is necessary.
Why refrain from keeping unopened wine in the fridge?
While keeping unopened wine in the fridge will not make it go bad, it is discouraged as it can hinder the aging process. Unopened wine keeps better in a wine cellar or a wine refrigerator.
A kitchen refrigerator is subjected to two things, constant vibration and temperature fluctuation. Temperature fluctuation is detrimental to the quality of the wine.
The fluctuation is not only brought on by constantly opening and closing the fridge door but the fridge motor also causes some vibration to the contents inside.
However, you can keep unopened wine in the fridge as the difference in quality will go unnoticed. While a wine expert might prefer a cool place to store unopened wine instead of the fridge, the quality will not be distinguishable by most.
White wine does not need to be put in the fridge. Oxidation is not a crucial step in the development of the flavor of white wine, which means that you can put it in the fridge.
However, the best way to store any type of wine is in a wine cellar or the pantry instead of the fridge.
Can unopened sherry go bad in the fridge?
An unopened bottle of sherry can be stored in a cool, dry place in your pantry for up to a year.
Most types of Sherry do not age well, hence keeping it in a fridge will not make much of a difference.
In fact, sherry should be stored in the fridge as it tastes its finest when it is cool.
Cooking sherry does not need to be refrigerated because it has salt and is shelf-stable. However, dry sherry must be refrigerated.
Once you open a bottle of sherry, put the cork right back and store it in the refrigerator for one to three weeks.
How do you store liqueurs other than wine?
According to cocktail experts, spirits do not need to be refrigerated and are best served at room temperature. Vodka, tequila, rum, gin, brandy, and whisky include those spirits which do not need refrigeration.
Distilled spirits have been subject to temperature fluctuation while they were being manufactured. Spirits also have a high alcohol content which prevents them from spoiling.
Liqueurs which include Campari and Saint Germain, are also served at room temperature rather than cold.
Unopened Rum Bottle
Do not keep an unopened rum bottle in the fridge as oxidation is crucial in this particular wine. An unopened rum bottle undergoes gradual oxidation that makes the alcohol develop flavor over time.
An unopened bottle undergoes oxidation at a faster rate. This reaction causes the rum to change its flavor to vanilla-like.
Even an opened bottle of rum needs to be stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Doing so prevents the liquid from direct oxidation and retains most of the flavor and quality.
Do not keep an opened or unopened bottle of rum in the fridge as it can cause the oxidation process to slow down.
Unopened Tequila Bottle
Tequila can go in the fridge even though it might not be the best way to drink it. The acceptable way to drink tequila is when it is at room temperature.
Tequila should be stored in a cool and dry place whether the seal is broken or intact.
Drinking tequila at room temperature is the best way to interact with the aromatic compounds that affect the taste and smell of the alcoholic beverage. When tequila is cold, it is hard to experience the aroma and flavors.
Other FAQs about Wine that you may be interested in.
Can wine go bad in the fridge?
Can white wine go bad in the fridge?
What does champagne taste like
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question, can unopened wine go bad in the fridge? We discussed how to store opened and unopened wine bottles and some tips on making your alcoholic beverage taste good.
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-long-does-wine-last#bottom-line
https://www.leaf.tv/articles/does-wine-go-bad-in-the-fridge/
