Preserving Open Wine
Before you pour that half-full bottle of expensive Cabernet down the kitchen sink, take note of these ways to keep open wine tasting its best, according to Traci Eguchi, owner of Friends of the Vine wine store in Redondo Beach, Calif.
- Cork
At the very least, replace the bottle's cork and put the wine in the refrigerator. This will keep your wine tasting good for two or three days.
- Vacuum pumps
A vacuum pump system removes air from the bottle, which significantly slows oxidation and allows the wine to hold its taste for a couple of days.
- Nitrogen
Spray nitrogen from a can into the bottle to form a blanket of gas that prevents oxidation. It will preserve wine for four or five days and costs about 10 cents a use.
Of course, you could always just finish off the bottle with some friends and preserve the memories instead of the wine. Or, get creative and use the leftovers to marinate beef, or stir up a delicate white wine sauce.
| 
)
