Wine expert reveals you should keep open bottle of red in the fridge to stop it from spoiling
![A wine expert has revealed how you should store your red wine to help it last longer [Image: Getty]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hlurrvEAMKMjGndsgj2WUQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02Nzc-/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2020-02/b8547750-4b58-11ea-bf55-d65291533db0)
If you’re enjoying a romantic date on Valentine’s Day next week, it’s possible you’ll enjoy a nice glass of wine.
However, if you don’t quite a finish that bottle of red, there’s a common pitfall you should be aware of.
A sommelier has warned that leaving an opened wine on the side will actually make it spoil faster.
Sam Tyson, from Winebuyers.com with 20 years experience, explained that it’s important to put it straight in the fridge - just like you would with a white.
READ MORE: A prosecco ATM in London is dispensing free wine all day
The expert explained that any exposure to air will make a red lose its aromas and flavours, and eventually go off.
“Almost any reaction happens more slowly at cooler temperatures, making the fridge an excellent spot to rest your red,” he told the Daily Mail.
“The more wine in the bottle means the longer the wine will remain fresh, just like milk.
“To this end, transferring any remaining wine into a smaller bottle can really help. Just remember to take it out of the fridge well before you want to drink it!”
READ MORE: Wine company launches flat wine bottle designed to fit through letterbox
The expert added that decanting can make your average wine taste even better because it allows it to “breathe”.
You should add the red to a decanter approximately 30 minutes before pouring into wine glasses.
While keeping it in the fridge can extend its life, over-chilling wine - of any kind - can render the taste dull and lose its sweetness.
Sam suggested that ice buckets should be used with caution, noting that many restaurants enlist them to mask poorer quality stock.
READ MORE: Heinz and Fortnum & Mason have teamed up to create ketchup truffles for Valentine's Day
He explained: “If the wine is served at the correct temperature, you really shouldn't need an ice bucket.”
If you’re stuck for what food to serve up with your favourite red on Valentine’s, M&S have brought back their famous “love sausage”.
This year the heart-shaped culinary creation is being sold for £6 – which is £1 more than in 2019.
The sausage - which is wrapped in smokey bacon with a hint of truffle - comes in a handy baking tray for minimal washing up.
READ MORE: Marks & Spencer's 'love sausage' is back for Valentine's Day
It went on sale on Friday, and - if last year is anything to go by - you’ll need to be quick before stocks sell out.
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to impress your other half with, the supermarket have also catered for you with a heart-shaped roasted beetroot and sweet onion creation called the “heart-beet burger”.
