How Long Can You Keep Moscato Unopened?

Moscato's floral notes, gentle sweetness, and sometimes a touch of sparkle make it a favorite among wine lovers. But how long can you keep Moscato unopened before those bright fruit flavors fade?

In this guide, you'll learn how long Moscato lasts unopened, how it compares to other wines, ideal storage conditions, and what to do if your wine has gone bad. You'll also discover how Coravin's by-the-glass systems let you enjoy every bottle of Moscato exactly as intended – one glass at a time, without waste.

Understanding Moscato Wine and Its Shelf Life

The Nature of Moscato Wine

Moscato wine, made from the Muscat grape, is a white wine known for its sweetness and floral aromas. It's typically low in alcohol and designed to be consumed young, capturing its fresh, fruit-forward charm. Most Moscato wines fall into one of two styles – still or sparkling – and are not meant to be aged wine for long periods.

How Long Does Moscato Last?

So, how long can you keep Moscato unopened?
That depends on the style and how the bottle is stored properly. Still Moscato usually remains vibrant for 1–2 years, while sparkling Moscato can keep its bubbles and freshness for up to 3 years when maintained in a stable environment.

How Long Can You Keep Moscato Unopened

Still Moscato (1–2 Years)

Still Moscato should be consumed young to preserve its floral notes and crisp acidity.
If properly stored in a dark space or wine cooler, you can expect:

• Up to 12 months: Peak freshness, lively fruit, and a clean finish.

• 18–24 months: Acidity softens, and flavors shift toward honeyed or nutty tones.

After two years, the wine may begin to flatten, indicating oxidation. Most wines in this category are not built for long-term cellaring.

Sparkling Moscato (1–3 Years)

Sparkling wine variants, such as Moscato d'Asti or Asti Spumante, are more resilient thanks to their secondary fermentation.
When stored under ideal storage conditions, the unopened bottle remains enjoyable for up to 3 years.

• 0–18 months: Vibrant bubbles and balanced sweetness.

• 18–36 months: Still drinkable, though effervescence may fade slightly.
  Keep bottles in a wine cellar or wine cooler to preserve carbonation and prevent premature aging.

How Moscato Compares to Other Wines

Different wine styles have varying shelf lives, depending on alcohol content, structure, and sugar levels.

Moscato wine sits toward the shorter end of the spectrum. While fortified wines and fine wine can age for decades, Moscato and pink Moscato are best appreciated fresh.

Proper Storage Conditions for Unopened Moscato

Temperature and Light

The best way to extend the shelf life of unopened wine is through consistent, cool temperatures and darkness. Store bottles in a dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. UV rays can accelerate the oxidation process and cause your wine to lose flavor and color.

Humidity and Position

If your bottle is sealed with a cork, store it horizontally to keep the cork moist. This prevents shrinkage and unwanted air exposure.
Maintain a humid environment of around 60–70% to ensure the cork doesn't dry out.

Stable Environment

Avoid temperature fluctuations. A stable environment at 45–55°F (7–13°C) is perfect for white wine and sparkling Moscato.
A wine cellar or wine cooler is ideal, but a cabinet or closet away from light and vibration can work for short-term storage.

Does Unopened Wine Expire?

Many wine lovers wonder, does unopened wine expire?

While unopened bottles don't have a printed expiry date, every wine has an optimal drinking window. Most wines, including Moscato, are at their best within a few years of release.
Over time, even unopened wine undergoes subtle oxidation, softening acidity and dulling aromas. The key to longevity is proper storage.

How to Tell If an Unopened Bottle Has Gone Bad

Even a bottle of unopened wine can deteriorate if it's stored poorly. Signs that your unopened Moscato or old bottle has gone off include:

• A bulging cork or leakage.

• A musty smell that suggests spoilage.

• Excessive sediment or cloudiness.

• A flat taste lacking sweetness or bubbles.

If you notice these, take a small sip to confirm – a sour or stale taste indicates bad wine.

Aging Moscato and When to Drink

Unlike Pinot Noir or fortified wines, Moscato wine does not improve significantly with age. It's crafted to be consumed young and enjoyed for its floral freshness rather than complex flavors.
However, dessert wine or fortified Moscato may gain richness and depth over a few years if stored properly in a dark space with a stable environment.

What to Do with an Old or Leftover Wine

If your unopened bottle has passed its prime or you have leftover wine, try:

• Cooking sauces or marinades.

• Mixing into cocktails or spritzers.

• Turning it into flavored vinegar with fruit peels.

These creative uses prevent waste while honoring the wine's character.

Opened Moscato: How Long Does It Last?

Once opened, Moscato wine oxidizes quickly.
Opened Moscato lasts:

• 1–3 days in the refrigerator if resealed with a wine stopper.

• Keep it in a dark space or wine cooler to minimize exposure to air.
  If you plan to enjoy wine over several days, limit oxygen contact to prevent it from becoming flat.

How to Preserve Moscato After Opening

To enjoy wine without worrying about spoilage, use Coravin by-the-glass systems.

• Coravin Sparkling® keeps your sparkling Moscato carbonated by recharging it with CO₂, maintaining its fizz for at least 4 weeks.

• Coravin Pivot+™ replaces oxygen with argon gas, keeping still Moscato fresh for up to 4 weeks.

• Coravin Timeless™ gives you the freedom to pour wine without removing the cork, keeping the bottle in perfect condition for weeks, months, or even years.

With these tools, you can savor your wine bottle glass by glass, without waste.

FAQs About Unopened Moscato

Q: Can unopened Moscato go bad?
A: Yes, especially if not stored properly or kept in direct light.

Q: Does unopened wine have an expiry date?
A: Not technically. The expiration date depends on the style, storage, and seal quality.

Q: How can I tell if wine has gone bad?
A: A musty smell, dull taste, or cloudy liquid suggest spoilage.

Q: Should I store Moscato vertically or horizontally?
A: Horizontally if it has a cork to keep it moist; vertically if screw-capped.

Conclusion: Get the Most from Your Moscato

Understanding how long you can keep Moscato unopened ensures every bottle tastes as the winemaker intended.

• Still Moscato: Best within 1–2 years.

• Sparkling Moscato: Best within 1–3 years.

Keep your bottles in a dark place, under stable conditions, and properly stored to maintain freshness.
When you're ready to pour just one glass, Coravin's by-the-glass systems – Sparkling, Pivot+, and Timeless let you experience every bottle without compromise.