Viognier is a beautifully aromatic and rich white wine that many wine lovers enjoy for its bold flavours and medium- to full-bodied texture. However, like all wines, it’s important to know how long it can be kept, both before and after opening, to ensure you get the best experience. How long does Viognier keep? The answer depends on factors such as storage conditions, the style of Viognier, and whether the bottle has been opened. In this blog, we’ll explore how long you can keep Viognier, how to store it properly, and what to expect in terms of quality over time.

How Long Can You Keep an Unopened Bottle of Viognier?

Viognier is not typically a wine meant for long-term ageing. Most Viogniers are best enjoyed while they are young and fresh, allowing the wine’s vibrant fruit and floral aromas to shine. However, there are some key factors to consider when determining how long you can store an unopened bottle of Viognier.

Non-Oaked Viognier

Shelf life: Most Viognier wines are designed to be consumed within 2-3 years of the vintage. The fruity and floral characteristics that make Viognier so popular tend to diminish over time, and the wine can lose its aromatic intensity if kept too long.

Optimal drinking window: To enjoy Viognier at its best, it’s recommended to drink it within 1-2 years of purchase.

Oak-Aged Viognier

Some premium Viogniers, particularly those that have been aged in oak barrels, may have a longer ageing potential. These wines often develop more complex flavours over time and can be stored for up to 5 years.

Wines from regions like Condrieu in France, where the best Viogniers are produced, may also age more gracefully. These high-quality wines can offer a rich, layered experience even after a few years in storage.

How to Store Unopened Viognier

Proper storage is essential to ensure your Viognier stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Here are some key storage tips:

• Temperature: Store Viognier in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature of around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Avoid storing it in areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as near a kitchen stove or in direct sunlight.
• Position: If your Viognier has a cork closure, store the bottle on its side. This helps keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing air to seep into the bottle.
• Humidity: Keep the storage environment at a humidity level of around 60-70%. Excessive dryness can cause the cork to shrink, while too much humidity can lead to mold growth.

How Long Does Viognier Last Once Opened?

Once a bottle of Viognier has been opened, its shelf life is significantly reduced, as the wine is exposed to oxygen, which can cause it to deteriorate. However, with proper storage, you can still enjoy Viognier for several days after opening.

In the Fridge

After opening, re-cork the bottle tightly and store it in the fridge. Viognier will generally stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator. The cooler temperature slows down the oxidation process, preserving the wine’s flavours and aromas.

To maintain its quality for as long as possible, try to limit the bottle’s exposure to air by using a vacuum wine stopper or an inert gas wine preserver.

At Room Temperature

If left at room temperature, an opened bottle of Viognier will begin to lose its aromatic intensity within 1-2 days. The wine may start to taste flat or dull as the oxygen interacts with its delicate floral and fruit notes.

Signs That Viognier Has Gone Bad

While properly stored Viognier can retain its quality for several days after opening, it’s important to know the signs that the wine has gone bad. Below are some indicators that your Viognier is past its prime.

Oxidised aroma

If the wine smells musty or has developed a vinegar-like odour, it has likely oxidised and should not be consumed.

Faded flavours

Viognier’s hallmark fruit and floral notes may fade, leaving the wine tasting bland or flat.

Discolouration

 If the wine has turned a deep yellow or brownish colour, it may have been exposed to too much oxygen or heat, which can affect its flavour.

Can You Age Viognier?

As mentioned earlier, most Viogniers are best enjoyed young, within 2-3 years of their release. However, some high-quality Viogniers, particularly those from regions like Condrieu, have the ability to age for several years and develop more complex, nuanced flavours. These wines may take on additional notes of honey, almond, and dried fruits as they age, making them an interesting choice for wine enthusiasts looking to explore a more mature Viognier.

If you’re interested in ageing Viognier, look for bottles that have been aged in oak or those produced in premium regions. These wines will have more structure and complexity, making them suitable for longer ageing.

So, How Long Does Viognier Keep? 

For most Viognier wines, it’s best to enjoy them within 2-3 years of their vintage to ensure you experience their vibrant fruit and floral characteristics. If you’ve opened a bottle, you can keep it fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge, but it’s always best to consume it as soon as possible to appreciate the wine’s full flavour. High-quality, oak-aged Viogniers or those from premium regions like Condrieu may have more ageing potential, lasting up to 5 years in storage.

Whether you’re storing an unopened bottle or keeping the rest of your Viognier after dinner, proper storage is key to enjoying this aromatic white wine at its best.