Once opened, the shelf life of sherry varies significantly depending on its style:
- Dry and lighter styles like Manzanilla and Fino should ideally be consumed within 1 to 3 days after opening, as they are more delicate and deteriorate quickly once exposed to oxygen
- Amontillado and Palo Cortado can last about 1 to 3 months once opened
- Oloroso and sweeter styles such as Pedro Ximénez (PX) are more stable due to higher sugar and alcohol content and can last 2 to 3 months or even a bit longer if refrigerated properly
- Cream Sherries and blended sweet styles typically last around 2 to 3 weeks once opened if stored in the fridge
For best preservation, opened sherry bottles should be tightly corked and stored in the refrigerator to slow oxidation and flavor loss
. While unopened bottles can last from 1 to 5 years depending on the style, once opened, it is recommended to consume sherry within these time frames to enjoy optimal flavor and quality
. In summary, opened sherry lasts anywhere from a couple of days (for the lightest styles) up to a few months (for the richer, sweeter styles) when stored properly in the fridge.
