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Original poster

stupidly kept white wine in fridge for 5 weeks (unopened)

117 replies

hotandwanttoswim · 25/10/2023 22:16

I don't usually drink wine but was gifted a nice bottle of white and put it in the fridge unopened about 5 weeks ago. I have guests coming on Friday eve and was going to get the wine out but realised wine should have only been put in the fridge 1-2 days in advance of drinking. Will the wine be ok to serve? As I don't usually drink wine I'm worried I won;t notice if the flavour has been impaired but my guests might. It has a cork and has been stored on a shelf on its side.
Shall I risk it or buy another bottle?

OP posts:
MumblesParty · 26/10/2023 08:34

macshoto · 25/10/2023 22:48

@MumblesParty through the cork. Corks are slightly permeable. Agree glass isn't.

Aren’t they covered by foil/plastic wrap?

macshoto · 26/10/2023 08:42

@MumblesParty The foil (whether actually metal or plastic) also isn't air-tight. It provides a measure of protection to the cork, but won't prevent strong odours getting to the end of the cork.

I have no idea how long it would take strong odours to taint the wine. The drying environment of a domestic fridge will start to dry out the cork and make it easier for odours to get to the wine, but I suspect it would need a lot longer than a few weeks.

DilemmaDelilah · 26/10/2023 09:00

I always keep my white wine in the fridge! I think maybe it means that if it hasn't been in the fridge you need to put it in 1-2 days before drinking so that it gets properly cold, NOT that it shouldn't be in the fridge more than 1-2 days before drnking.

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JudgeJ · 26/10/2023 10:51

I recall being told by a well-informed friend that white wine shouldn't be kept more than 5 years, nothing to do with the fridge, unless it's the very very expensive stuff. Reds can be kept much longer.

Completelywornout · 26/10/2023 16:55

I found this after a quick google search. Your wine will be fine. Although I’d buy another bottle as you won’t get many glasses out of 1 bottle and you don’t want to run out

stupidly kept white wine in fridge for 5 weeks (unopened)
Littlemisslaughalot · 26/10/2023 17:18

@Doglover19 not this, it's absolutely fine in the fridge!

Storminthesky · 26/10/2023 17:32

Worked in pubs for years, always kept white in the fridges no issues, some had been there for a considerable amount of time. Red wine was always kept on the shelf at room temp. Couldn't tell you about the taste though as I can't stand it. But we'd never had any complaints! It'll be fine though I should think!

Lose10kyesterday · 26/10/2023 17:37

I think they must mean make sure your white wine has been in the fridge for at least one to two days before opening to make sure it is at the right temperature. We've a wine fridge and keep all our wine in it, even it it's not going to be drunk in one or two days, and taking the red wine out a while before opening to bring it to room temperature. But we live in warmer climes than the UK. But don't worry, and yes, maybe get another bottle or two of the same wine and put them in the fridge now, just in case your guests are less abstemious than you are!

LambMomo · 26/10/2023 17:39

People have wine fridges.

And agree you need more than one bottle for your 2 guests.

Oblomov23 · 26/10/2023 17:40

News to me!

purplehair1 · 26/10/2023 17:53

I think it will be fine but wine never lasts more than about half a day in my house. This is why I can’t have nice things - like a wine cellar. Those darn tipsy rats!

NotLactoseFree · 26/10/2023 17:58

I actually thought that guidance was for fancy-ass champagne? Really don't think it matters for wine on a day to day basis.

Kattitude · 26/10/2023 18:46

I’m assuming it’s just an ordinary wine from a supermarket/offy and not a mega expensive vintage one so it will be fine, probably very cold though ;) I’m just wondering if one bottle will be enough for your guests.

ALongHardWinter · 26/10/2023 18:48

I've had a bottle of white wine in my fridge since last Christmas and I fully intend to use it this Christmas! Wine keeps for ages,in or out of a fridge.

AtTheStream · 26/10/2023 19:20

Take one bottle in the fridge multiply it by 8 and you have my sort of dinner party

IndysMamaRex · 26/10/2023 19:20

That wine is already at least a year old by the time of purchase. It’ll be absolutely fine just take it out the fridge a good 30 mins before opening

Rewis · 27/10/2023 07:07

I keep my wine in the fridge always. Even months. It's fine.

WaltzingWaters · 27/10/2023 07:11

Had no idea they weren’t supposed to be left in the fridge! I regularly do so I have them one coke and ready to go.

liveforsummer · 27/10/2023 07:19

The wine will be absolutely fine but YABU not to get at least a second bottle of wine anyway for 2 guests. Half a bottle is barely more than a glass at home measures!

Rewis · 27/10/2023 07:35

liveforsummer · 27/10/2023 07:19

The wine will be absolutely fine but YABU not to get at least a second bottle of wine anyway for 2 guests. Half a bottle is barely more than a glass at home measures!

She has red, white and beer for 3 people and op doesn't drink wine. I think a bottle per wine drinker is enough for a low key night

liveforsummer · 27/10/2023 07:42

That depends of either drink red wine - op said they'd be sharing the white.

Lolaandbehold · 27/10/2023 07:45

I put a nice bottle of Cloudy Bay in the fridge a few months ago. Had no idea it shouldn’t be kept in the fridge. Guess I’m having wine for supper tonight.

Epidote · 27/10/2023 07:49

If the bottle is not open should be fine.
Specially if is a rose or s white one.

Tighginn · 27/10/2023 07:58

You sound like someone who has wine leftover and decants into ice cube trays for freezing and cooking with at later date...

Zanatdy · 27/10/2023 08:06

I always keep wine in the fridge unopened - it tastes fine