Does Moscato Go Bad? How to Store it Properly
Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of Moscato wine! Moscato has become incredibly famous among wine connoisseurs thanks to its delightful sweetness and captivating aromas. However, just like with any other wine, it’s important to learn how to properly store Moscato and understand its shelf life.
So, let’s embark on this wine-filled journey together and discover the secrets of this famous white wine storage temperature and methods!
Table of Contents
How Long Is Moscato Good For After Opening?
It is recommended to consume Moscato within 1 to 3 days of opening in order to experience its greatest flavors.
A bottle of Moscato can gradually lose some of its freshness and flavor after you’ve opened it. However, because Moscato is regarded as more delicate than other wines, it typically has a shorter shelf life after opening. .
To extend the life of an opened bottle of Moscato, follow these tips:
Recork and Refrigerate
Pour the desired amount, then quickly and tightly recork the bottle. Refrigerate the opened wine since the cooler environment will slow the oxidation process. To enjoy the flavors to their fullest, remember to let the Moscato warm up a little before serving.
Read more about re-corking wines in this article.
Purchase a Vacuum Sealer
Consider purchasing a wine vacuum pump or investing in a preservation system if you want to preserve an opened bottle of Moscato for longer. These tools will remove the excess air from the bottle, limiting oxidation and maintaining the wine’s taste and aroma for an extended period of time.
Avoid Frequent Exposure to Air
When you open a bottle of Moscato, always keep in mind that you must minimize its exposure to air as much as possible. The reason for this is that oxygen is the primary culprit behind the deterioration of wine flavors.
To protect your wine from deterioration, pour only the amount you intend to consume and recork the bottle tightly. The less contact Moscato has with air, the longer it will retain its freshness and vibrant characteristics.
How To Store Moscato White Wine
Proper storage is of great importance when preserving the flavors and aromas of Moscato. Here are a few tips to ensure your unopened wine bottle of Moscato stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible:
Store It Under The Right Temperature
The best way to store Moscato wine is in a wine cooler. Setting the right temperature will help preserve the quality of Moscato. Excessive heat can accelerate the aging process of the wine resulting in the loss of its vibrant fruitiness and the development of a flat taste.
Keep in mind that Moscato wine could be either flat white wine or a sparkling wine.
Moscato white wine should be stored in a cool environment with a consistent temperature, ideally between 45°F (7°C) and 55°F (13°C).
Sparkling Moscato should be stored in a slightly cooler temperature than it’s white counterpart. The best temperature for storing it should be between 40°F (4°C) and 45°F (7°C). Read more about how to properly store sparkling wines here.
Protect The Moscato From Light
The quality of Moscato can be harmed by exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays. The reason for this is that wine can age prematurely and lose flavor due to chemical reactions brought on by light. That is why you should store your Moscato wine bottles in a dark place, such as a wine cellar, cabinet, or pantry.
If you store them in an area with some light exposure, consider using wine racks or cabinets with UV protection.
Control The Humidity
The ideal humidity levels are crucial for storing Moscato wine. To prevent mold growth, label damage, and cork drying, aim for a humidity level of about 70%. Use a humidifier or place a water bowl nearby if humidity is low.
For excessive humidity, ensure airflow or buy a wine cellar dehumidifier. Proper humidity preservation safeguards your Moscato’s quality, ensuring its flavors and aromas remain intact.
Position The Moscato The Right Way
Like many other wine bottles sealed with cork, Moscato wine bottles should be stored horizontally. Storing the bottles on their sides keeps the wine in contact with the cork, which prevents the cork from drying out.
A dried-out cork can result in air infiltration, oxidation, and spoilage of the wine. Keeping the cork moist ensures a proper seal and helps preserve the wine’s freshness and flavors.
Avoid Strong Odors
Moscato wine, like other types of wine, is susceptible to absorbing strong odors from the environment it is stored in. Keep your Moscato away from strong-smelling substances to prevent unwanted odors from affecting its flavor and aroma.
Moreover, make sure that your Moscato wine isn’t stored in areas where you keep cleaning chemicals, spices, pungent foods, or other items with strong odors. Over time, these aromas may permeate into the wine through the cork or even the glass, changing its flavor.
Should Moscato Be Chilled?
Yes, Moscato is typically best enjoyed chilled. Moscato is a type of white wine known for its refreshing and fruity characteristics, and serving it chilled enhances its flavors and aromas. It is recommended to serve Moscato at a temperature of around 45-50°F (7-10°C).
Refrigeration provides two key benefits for opened Moscato:
It lowers the temperature of the wine, creates a cooler environment, and maintains the wine’s fresh and fruity flavors, allowing you to enjoy your Moscato wine with all its delightful nuances.
Refrigeration slows down the interaction between oxygen and the wine, prolonging its lifespan and keeping its quality as it should be.
How Long Does Moscato Last Unopened?
It is advisable not to wait too long, as a well-stored Moscato typically reaches its maximum potential within 1-3 years when unopened.
Over time, Moscato’s quality can deteriorate as a result of changes in flavor, aroma, and color. This can cause the wine to lose its freshness, acquire unpleasant aromas, or run flat. Therefore, even if it may not go bad in the sense of being unsafe to drink, Moscato wine can certainly degrade in quality if not stored properly.
Conclusion
Properly storing Moscato wine is essential for preserving its enticing flavors, aromas, and overall quality. You can extend the lifespan of this delightful wine and continue indulging in its sweet and refreshing nature just by following the recommended guidelines and understanding its characteristics.
Remember, while Moscato wine does not necessarily “go bad” like perishable foods, it can undergo changes that can alter its taste over time. So, make sure your Moscato gets the care it deserves, and let each sip whisk you away to a world of fruity happiness.
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