How to Tell If an Unopened Bottle of Wine Is Bad | Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is famous for its world-class wines, but even the best wines can turn bad if stored incorrectly or have production issues. But how do you know if an unopened bottle of wine has gone off? Let’s look at the signs and what to do if you think your wine has gone bad.

Check the Cork

A cork that’s been pushed out or has leakage around it is a big red flag. This means the wine bottle has been exposed to too much heat, and the wine has expanded and pushed the cork out. Conversely, a dry or cracked cork means oxidation and spoiled wine. Keeping the cork moist is crucial for proper wine storage as a dry cork allows too much oxygen in and accelerates the spoilage process.

Check the Colour

Different wines age differently but extreme colour changes can be a sign of a problem:

• White wines should be bright and clear. If they’re dark yellow or brownish, oxidation has occurred. A rule of thumb is that white wines last 1-2 years in perfect condition.
• Red wines shouldn’t be brown unless they’re very old. A dull or brick-coloured wine means spoilage. Red wines generally have a drinking window of 3-5 years depending on the wine.

Check for Sediment or Cloudiness

Some aged wines will naturally develop sediment over time, but excessive cloudiness or floating particles in a younger wine is bacteria spoilage. Air and improper wine storage in fluctuating temperatures can accelerate this process and affect the aroma of the wine and the drinking experience. Storing wine in a wine fridge, wine cellar or dark space at a consistent temperature prevents wine spoilage.

Smell the Wine Without Opening It

Before you open, sniff the neck of the bottle. If it smells unpleasant or musty like damp cardboard, a band-aid or vinegar, it could be cork taint (TCA) or acetic acid bacteria. Faulty wine has a strong, suspicious smell that’s a sign of spoilage.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

When you open the bottle, a properly sealed wine should give a soft pop. If it fizzes (unless it’s sparkling) it could be secondary fermentation which will spoil the taste. Bottled wine shouldn’t have unintended bubbles unless it was produced using a traditional method to carbonate.

Check for Label Damage or Storage Issues

If the bottle has been stored in extreme temperatures, eg. in direct sunlight, in a hot car or left in sunlight, the wine may be compromised. Signs of heat damage are discolouration of the label, sticky residue from leakage or a faulty wine stopper. Investing in a cheap wine cooler or keeping bottles in a cool basement will help preserve wine quality.

Understand the Effects of Oxygen Exposure

Oxygen is a big player in the ageing process of wine. While some wines are meant to age, too much oxygen can turn wine into vinegar. Synthetic corks and poor sealing can cause oxidation which will make wine taste sour and lose its layers. Wine drinkers should know the proper wine storage techniques to maintain organoleptic quality.

What to Do if Your Wine is Bad?

If you’ve found out your unopened wine bottles are bad, consider these options:

• Return it: If you bought it recently, most wineries and retailers will exchange or refund it.
• Repurpose it: If the wine is only slightly oxidised, it’s still usable for cooking or making sauces.
• Dispose of it: If it smells bad, sour or suspicious, it’s best to get rid of it to avoid a bad drinking experience.

Many wine lovers enjoy discovering new wines through Yarra Valley wine tours which gives an opportunity to taste properly stored and aged wines directly from the winery. Learning about wine storage from the experts will help prevent bad wine.

Conclusion

Follow these wine storage tips and you’ll only drink the best Yarra Valley wines. Whether you’re a wine lover, a collector or a monthly wine subscriber, knowing about wine spoilage will help you appreciate aged wines, fortified wines and dessert wines more. Want to taste exceptional wines firsthand? Yarra Valley wine tours will give you an insider’s look at the region’s winemaking history. Cheers!

FAQ

Can an unopened bottle of wine go bad?

Yes an unopened bottle of wine can go bad due to poor storage, heat, chemical reactions or winemaking faults. A bad bottle can be due to oxidation, temperature fluctuations or poor sealing.

How do I store wine to prevent spoilage?

Store wine in a wine cellar, wine fridge or cool basement with stable temperatures (10-15°C). Store bottles of wine on their side if they have a cork to keep it moist and prevent drying out. Proper wine storage in a dark location helps maintain the chemical structure and aromas of the wine.

Does expensive wine last longer than cheap wine?

Not necessarily. Some investment wines are made to age (10-20+ years) but most wines (even expensive ones) should be consumed within their drinking window of 1-2 years or 2-3 years of production depending on the wine type.

What is cork taint and how do I identify it?

Cork taint (TCA contamination) happens when wine corks are affected by mould and gives a musty, wet cardboard smell and dull taste to the wine. It’s one of the common wine faults wine drinkers should watch out for as it affects the aroma of the wine.

Can I drink slightly oxidised wine?

If the oxidation is minimal the wine might still be drinkable but it will taste flat and lack freshness. However it can still be used for cooking or repurposed if it hasn’t turned into wine vinegar yet.