Are you a fan of Chardonnay? Then you must understand how to keep this type of wine fresh and enjoyable for the longest possible time. In this blog post, we are going to answer the question: Does Chardonnay go bad? We’ll explore what affects its lifespan, as well as provide tips on how to ensure your bottle always tastes great.
Read on if you want to learn more about selecting and storing the perfect bottle of Chardonnay!
1. What is Chardonnay wine?
Chardonnay is a highly popular grape type worldwide, mainly because of the various styles it offers. Its styles vary from light and mineral-like to opulent, creamy, and matured in oak barrels, and it also produces some of the best sparkling wines globally.
Taste: The flavor profile includes hints of Meyer lemon, yellow pear, apple, banana, and pineapple. It may also have notes of butterscotch, vanilla, or toasted caramel from the oak.
Style: Medium- to Full-Bodied White Wine.
Description: Chardonnay is a type of white wine that is dry and full-bodied. It was first extensively grown in France, and when it is aged in oak barrels, it develops hints of spice and bourbon. On the other hand, unoaked Chardonnays are lighter and have a more zesty flavor profile with notes of apple and citrus. The white grape used to make Chardonnay is primarily grown in the Burgundy region.
2. Does Chardonnay go bad?
Yes, Chardonnay can go bad.
Like other wines, Chardonnay can be bad in some situations such as:
- The cork of the bottle is dry
- The bottle is placed under direct sunlight or on its side.
- Aging too long can make Chardonnay bottles taste much less fresh than it is expected to.
The good news is that the spoiled wine won’t create harmful bacteria due to its alcohol content and absence of sugar. It may only affect your taste perception and affect your nighttime arrangements.
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3. If I left my opened Chardonnay in the car on a hot day, what would happen?
If you leave Chardonnay in a car on a hot day, even if it’s unopened, it can still spoil.
Unfortunately, opened Chardonnay is even more susceptible to spoiling. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, reaching above 70 degrees which can lead to mild flavor changes.
If the temperature goes above 80 degrees, the wine can be cooked and the flavor will change significantly.
It’s important to note that these temperatures are the inside of the car, not the outdoor temperature. For example, on an 85-degree day, a car left in the sun can quickly reach over 100 degrees within 10 minutes or up to 115 degrees in 30 minutes.
Additionally, it is recommended to serve Chardonnay when it is chilled. Therefore, if you do not have access to ice or a refrigerator, allow yourself an extra 10 to 20 minutes to bring down the temperature. If you can’t do these things, your wine will taste worse.
Editor’s Note: Wine can withstand some tough conditions, but it’s best enjoyed when consumed soon after purchase. If you left your wine in a hot car for five hours, it likely won’t be ruined, but its flavor and quality may have been impacted.
Just be sure to protect your wine from prolonged exposure to light to avoid any negative effects.
4. If I opened my Chardonnay and left it in the car on a cold day, causing it to freeze, what would happen?
If your bottle of Chardonnay has frozen, don’t worry as long as the bottle is still intact. Freezing causes expansion, which can damage the bottle if there isn’t enough space. The cork can also be pushed out or cause the wine to leak.
If these problems haven’t occurred, you can remove the bottle and let it thaw in the fridge or on the counter. The flavors of your Chardonnay are likely preserved due to the cold temperatures, so it’s safe to drink.
Editor’s Note: Is it bad to leave wine in a cold car? It’s not recommended to leave wine in a car during freezing temperatures, but even if the wine completely freezes, it’s unlikely to explode. Thawing the wine won’t affect its integrity or flavor. However, if the seal is broken, the wine may have some issues when opened.
5. How Long Does Chardonnay Last?
In summary, Chardonnay wine bottles can last from 2 to 7 years if they are stored properly.
Bottles with smaller volumes have a longer shelf life compared to the ones with larger volumes. This is because the air inside small bottles can circulate freely without getting trapped in corners or near the cork/top of the bottle, which could cause spoilage.
For those planning to buy wine in bulk, it’s advisable to research the proper storage techniques beforehand. Chardonnay can last from 5 to 7 days in the fridge after opening.
Despite having a shorter shelf life compared to other wines, Chardonnay is still a good option for those who prefer a lighter and less complex taste compared to Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir.
6. What does spoiled Chardonnay taste like?
The taste of spoiled Chardonnay can vary, depending on how long it has been sitting and the storage conditions. It may taste sour or like vinegar, moldy, or like cardboard.
If an unopened bottle of Chardonnay sits on the counter for a week, it will taste different from a bottle that has been affected by cork taint. Cork taint, which happens when a specific bacteria reacts with the wine, alters its flavor.
Some people may not detect cork taint, particularly if it is mild and they are not accustomed to the specific type of wine they are consuming.
Generally, when wine is left open for too long, it tends to turn sour. On the other hand, if wine is corked, it can taste like cardboard.
7. What is the odor of spoiled Chardonnay?
If Chardonnay has gone bad, it may have a smell similar to vinegar or a musty scent that some people compare to a wet dog or damp basement. Any change in the smell is a sign that something is wrong and it will likely also affect the taste.
To determine if a Chardonnay has gone bad, check its color. A good Chardonnay ranges from pale yellow to gold. However, if it appears considerably darker or even brownish, this means it has been exposed to oxygen for too long.
Remember, while we need oxygen to survive, wine does not need much of it, especially white wine.
To know if Chardonnay has gone bad, you should check if a still wine has started bubbling or if a sparkling wine has no bubbles. Ask yourself if the wine looks the same as when you bought it to evaluate if it has gone bad.
Sediment or wine crystals are the only changes that don’t necessarily mean the wine has gone bad; sediment occurs naturally as wine ages, and crystals form due to cold temperatures.
8. Is it possible to get sick from drinking old Chardonnay?
Drinking old Chardonnay is not harmful. There are some rare stories about people getting sick from wine, but it typically only happens when homemade wine is made with Methanol, which can be deadly.
Professional wine sold in first-world countries is safe to drink, even when it’s past its prime. Ethanol, which is produced naturally by adding yeast to fruit, is the only type of alcohol that is safe to consume.
It is safe to drink the Chardonnay regardless of its age, as long as you did not buy it from a suspicious source such as buying from an amateur in Cambodia who attempting to boost their profits.
9. How to Store Chardonnay Properly
If you plan on drinking the Chardonnay within a few days of buying it, then storing it in the refrigerator will suffice. However, if you want to store your Chardonnay for an extended period, then there are certain steps that you should take to ensure its longevity.
Firstly, make sure to store your bottles away from direct sunlight and to keep the temperature consistent. This means that you should avoid placing your bottles in an area where temperatures fluctuate, such as near a window or on top of a television.
Secondly, make sure to store your Chardonnay lying down so that the cork remains moist and doesn’t let air into the bottle. You can also purchase wine racks or special corkers, which help to keep the bottle sealed.
Finally, once you’ve opened your Chardonnay bottle, make sure to consume it within 5-7 days or store it in an airtight container. This will maximize its shelf life and flavors.
By following these simple tips, you can guarantee that your Chardonnay stays fresh for a long time.
You can see more about wine storage in the video below:
10. FAQs
Can Chardonnay be consumed even if it’s past its expiration date?
Although the taste may not be great, consuming wine that has already reached its peak will not harm your health.
Can you drink 10-year-old Chardonnay?
It depends on the specific wine and how it has been stored. Generally, if the Chardonnay is still sealed and properly stored, it should still be safe to drink.
What is the shelf life of an opened bottle of Chardonnay?
Generally speaking, opened bottles of Chardonnay can last for up to 5 days in a refrigerator. However, this shelf life can vary depending on how the wine has been stored and handled beforehand.
Is Chardonnay best when served chilled?
Yes, Chardonnay is usually best when served chilled, so it’s important to store it in a refrigerator or an ice bucket before consumption. This way, you will maximize its flavor and aroma. Additionally, you should avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.
How can I make my Chardonnay last longer?
The best way to make your Chardonnay last longer is by storing it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
Additionally, if you plan on keeping your wine for more than a few days, use smaller bottles to reduce the amount of air exposure.
It’s also important to store it lying down so that the cork stays moist and does not let air in.
Finally, never leave your bottle open for long periods, as this will cause the wine to spoil quickly.
If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to enjoy a good Chardonnay without having to worry about it going bad.
11. Conclusion
After exploring the complexities of chardonnay, we can confidently say that yes, it can go bad. It is important to ensure that you are taking the proper steps to store your chardonnay correctly to preserve its flavors for as long as possible. This includes monitoring the temperature and storing bottles on their side.
Additionally, be mindful of your expiration dates and how frequently you drink a bottle of wine to best ensure freshness and flavor when consuming chardonnay. With all this knowledge, wine lovers will have no trouble maximizing their enjoyment of this exquisite drink!
In 2014, Leo Colon began working with Big Cottonwood Winery. Over the years he has remained part of this prestigious winery’s team and is also a contributor to other notable wine publications. As an ardent advocate for knowledge, Leo continues his vinous education to this day.