Wine Question: I bought one of those Evac Devices to remove the air from an open wine bottle. It seems to work for a day or so as we usually finish the bottle by then. Assuming you agree this works, how long would an open bottle that has been "evacuated" actually last before degradation takes place???
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
I gather you are referring to one of the devices that works by creating a partial vacuum. I have found these tools generally useful for brief storage, although some believe that you "evacuate" desirable aromatic elements along with the air in the bottle. Every wine responds differently, so it is difficult to make specific claims, except to say that concentrated red wines will hold up better than delicate, aromatic whites.
In any event, in my personal experience most of the effect lasts for about 12 to 24 hours at most. That's fine in most cases since an open bottle is often finished the next day. If you intend to keep an open bottle for several days, you will probably need to repeat the evacuation procedure each day. Most wines will weaken and lose intensity over this period using this method.
