Prosecco is a sparkling white wine that originates from northeast Italy. It is made from Glera grapes and is known for its fruity, aromatic flavors. Prosecco is a popular choice for celebrations and festive occasions. Unlike Champagne, Prosecco does not go through a secondary fermentation process in the bottle, so it has a more affordable price point. With proper storage, an unopened bottle of Prosecco can maintain its quality and taste for quite some time.
How long does unopened Prosecco last?
An unopened bottle of Prosecco will generally stay fresh for 2-3 years from the bottling date when stored properly. The key factors that affect the shelf life are temperature, light exposure, position of the bottle, and any extreme fluctuations. As long as you keep the Prosecco sealed and store it in a cool, dark place, it should retain its bubbles and taste within this timeframe. The prosecco may start losing its fruitiness and freshness after the 2-3 year mark, but it does not necessarily go “bad”. Lower quality prosecco may degrade faster than premium options.
Optimal storage conditions
To get the longest shelf life out of your unopened Prosecco, ideal storage conditions are essential. Here are some tips:
- Store the bottle on its side. This keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out.
- Keep the bottle in a cool, dark place around 55°F. A wine cellar or cooler is ideal if available.
- Avoid locations with temperature fluctuations. The heat and cold cycles can push air through the cork and spoil the wine prematurely.
- Protect the bottle from direct sunlight exposure, which can skunk the wine.
- Place the bottle in a protective sleeve or box to block light if needed.
- Avoid vibrations by keeping the bottle still. Shaking can accelerate the breakdown of flavors.
Kitchen cabinets, interior closets, and basement storage are all good options for storing unopened Prosecco bottles properly. Just avoid anywhere by a heat source, in direct light, or with inconsistent temperatures.
How to tell if unopened Prosecco has gone bad
If stored improperly over an extended time, there are a few signs that indicate your unopened Prosecco may have spoiled:
- The cork has been pushed out from built up pressure.
- There are seepages or leaks around the cork.
- The wine inside seems cloudy instead of clear.
- Sediment has developed at the bottom of the bottle.
- The bottle has an off odor when smelled from the top.
If you observe any of these warning signs, it is best to err on the side of caution and not drink the Prosecco. A damaged cork or pressure build up usually means air has entered the bottle and caused the wine to oxidize and lose quality over time. Any color changes, particles, or sour smells indicate full spoilage. If still within the 2-3 year optimal range, contact the producer for a refund or replacement.
Factors that shorten shelf life
There are a few key factors that can shorten the shelf life of an unopened Prosecco below the typical 2-3 years:
- Improper storage – Exposing the bottle to heat, light, or fluctuating temperatures will cause the Prosecco to degrade faster.
- Lower quality – Cheaper Prosecco may have fewer preservatives and structural integrity to stay fresh as long.
- Cork failure – A dried, cracked, or damaged cork can expose wine to oxygen and spoil it.
- Older vintage – Prosecco more than 5-6 years from the vintage date will have higher risk of oxidation.
- Fruit forward style – Very aromatic, fruity Prosecco tends to fade faster than brut styles.
Being mindful of these factors can help estimate when a particular Prosecco may start declining in quality and taste while unopened. Opting for premium Prosecco and proper storage will maximize the shelf life.
Does opened Prosecco last?
Once opened, Prosecco will start to slowly lose bubbles and freshness. An opened bottle of Prosecco will stay at peak quality for:
- 2-3 days when sealed with a wine stopper and refrigerated
- 5-7 days if using a wine preserving gas spray after opening
Drinking the Prosecco sooner rather than later will provide the best experience once uncorked. Letting the bottle sit open for over a week is not recommended.
To maximize opened Prosecco shelf life:
- Reseal the bottle with a stopper or cork to contain carbonation.
- Store opened Prosecco in the fridge if planning to drink within 3 days.
- Use a wine preserver spray to purge oxygen and gain a few extra days.
- Smell and taste the Prosecco each day for any decline in aroma or flavor.
- Avoid letting the bottle sit out on the counter overnight.
Does Prosecco go bad?
Prosecco does not precisely go “bad” in the sense of being unsafe to drink. However, its quality and taste profile will deteriorate over time after reaching its peak. A very old bottle stored poorly may develop vinegar notes and be undrinkable. But expired Prosecco is still technically safe, just degraded. Here is how you can identify Prosecco that has gone over the hill:
- Loss of fruitiness and fresh aromas
- Reduction in bubbles and carbonation
- Dull, flat taste
- Vinegar-like acidity
- Papery, oxidized flavors
Once opened, the oxidation process accelerates and can make Prosecco taste bad within days. If you notice your Prosecco tastes off, it is unfortunately time to discard it and open a fresh bottle.
Does Prosecco expire?
Prosecco has a clear expiration date approximately 2-3 years from the bottling date in optimal conditions. It will remain drinkable after the expiration date, but the quality and taste will slowly diminish over time. Prosecco older than 5-6 years is at very high risk for oxidation and spoilage. The expiration timeline can vary based on these factors:
- Storage temperature and light exposure
- Quality of the cork and bottle seal
- Vintage and grape varietal
- Sugar content – Sweeter Prosecco may expire faster
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV) – Higher ABV has more preservative qualities
The expiry date is ultimately an estimate, not an exact science. Some Prosecco may last longer, while lower quality options deteriorate faster. Monitoring the color, aroma, taste and bubbles provides the best indicators of freshness.
How to store Prosecco
Here is a summary of proper storage conditions for maximizing the shelf life of Prosecco bottles:
Unopened Prosecco Storage
- Store bottles on their side to keep corks moist
- Optimal temperature is 55°F (12-13°C)
- Place in a dark area away from light
- Minimize temperature fluctuations
- Use a wine cellar or cooler if available
- Block sunlight exposure and vibrations
Opened Prosecco Storage
- Reseal bottle with cork or stopper
- Refrigerate opened Prosecco
- Use a wine preserver spray to add days of freshness
- Consume opened Prosecco within 3 days ideally
- Never leave opened overnight on the counter
Following these food safety guidelines and knowing the tell-tale signs of spoiled Prosecco can help you avoid drinking oxidized wine. With proper storage, an unopened bottle can stay enjoyable for 2-3 years past the bottling date in most cases.
What’s the best way to store Prosecco?
The ideal way to store Prosecco is in a wine fridge or cellar at 55°F. This cool, dark environment maximizes shelf life. If you don’t have a wine cooler, try these simple tips for best storage:
- Stand bottle upright for 1-2 days to settle sediment, then store on side.
- Place in a basement, interior closet, or back of the fridge.
- Use an insulated wine bottle sleeve if fridge space is limited.
- Wrap in a clean towel inside a cardboard box to block light.
- Buy a small countertop cooler if your home fluctuates in temperature.
- Only store unopened bottles you plan to drink within a few years.
Avoid garage, attic, and kitchen storage for Prosecco. The heat and vibration will cause the wine to deteriorate quickly. With attentive storage using these tips, an unopened bottle can maintain quality for 2-3 years past the bottling date.
How long does Prosecco last after opening?
Once opened, Prosecco will slowly start to lose its bubbles and fresh taste. An opened bottle of Prosecco stored properly will last:
- 2-3 days when sealed with stopper and refrigerated
- 5-7 days if using argon or CO2 wine preserver spray
Drinking the Prosecco within a week of opening is recommended. Leaving an opened bottle sitting out for longer than that risks oxidation. Make sure to reseal the bottle with a stopper and refrigerate immediately after pouring a glass. An argon spray wine preserver can help extend the life by a few extra days as well.
Does Prosecco need to be refrigerated?
Prosecco does not need to be refrigerated before opening. Refrigeration can actually dull the aromas and flavors of the wine. The best way to store unopened Prosecco is in a cool, dark place like a wine cellar, closet, or pantry around 55°F. Once opened, it is ideal to refrigerate Prosecco to help preserve the bubbles and freshness for 2-3 days maximum.
Can old Prosecco make you sick?
Drinking Prosecco that is past its prime or has spoiled from poor storage will not make you sick. While the taste and aroma may be off-putting, old and oxidized Prosecco does not contain harmful bacteria or toxins. The alcohol actually helps prevent microbial growth. However, some sediment may form at the bottom of very old bottles that can cause digestive discomfort. So while not a safety hazard, expired Prosecco can have an unpleasant effect.
How long can Prosecco be left out?
It is not recommended to leave Prosecco out of the fridge for extended periods, whether opened or unopened. For an unopened bottle, more than 1-2 weeks at room temperature can speed up undesirable oxidation. Once opened, Prosecco left out overnight will quickly lose effervescence and taste. Ideal Prosecco storage guidelines are:
- Unopened – Up to 1 month in a cool, dark place like a pantry
- Opened – No more than 4-6 hours left out, keep refrigerated
The key is limiting exposure to heat, light, and air to maintain the wine’s quality. Leaving Prosecco out too long, especially after opening, will ruin the taste and bubbles.
Does Prosecco need to be stored upright?
Prosecco should be stored upright for the first 1-2 days after purchasing to allow any sediment to settle towards the bottom of the bottle. After this initial period, unopened Prosecco bottles should be stored on their side. Storing sideways keeps the cork moist and expanded for an airtight seal. An unopened Prosecco stored on its side in a cool, dark place will typically last 2-3 years at optimal quality.
Can old Prosecco make you sick?
Drinking Prosecco that is past its prime or has spoiled from poor storage will not make you sick. While the taste and aroma may be off-putting, old and oxidized Prosecco does not contain harmful bacteria or toxins. The alcohol actually helps prevent microbial growth. However, some sediment may form at the bottom of very old bottles that can cause digestive discomfort. So while not a safety hazard, expired Prosecco can have an unpleasant effect.
Can you drink Prosecco that has been opened for a month?
It is not recommended to drink Prosecco that has been opened for longer than one month. After opening, Prosecco will slowly lose its carbonation, fresh fruity flavors, and aromas as it oxidizes. Leaving an opened bottle for longer than 3-5 days risks the Prosecco tasting dull, flat, and spoiled. An opened bottle of Prosecco is best consumed within 1-2 days ideally and no more than a week at maximum. Anything past that one month mark is likely to be over the hill.
Conclusion
With proper storage conditions, an unopened bottle of Prosecco has a shelf life of approximately 2-3 years from the bottling date before quality starts declining. Keeping the bottle sealed at a cool 55°F out of direct light and fluctuations extends freshness. Once opened, Prosecco is best enjoyed within 3 days and no more than 1 week after exposure to air. While not a safety hazard when expired, oxidized Prosecco quickly loses its delicious fruity notes and effervescence over time. Following these storage guidelines allows you to enjoy Prosecco’s bright, sparkling taste as long as possible.
