How long can replacing the closure and refrigerating wine extend its life?

Replacing the closure and refrigerating wine can effectively extend its life for a few days. This is due to the minimal exposure to oxygen that occurs when a wine bottle is re-corked or sealed again after being opened. Oxygen exposure is a key factor in the oxidation process, which can lead to the degradation of wine quality. By replacing the closure, you reduce the amount of oxygen getting into the wine, thereby slowing down this process.

Refrigeration also helps to preserve wine by retarding the chemical reactions that can lead to spoilage, such as those caused by heat and light. While refrigeration does help, it is important to understand that the extension of wine freshness is still limited. Typically, most wines will maintain decent quality for about three to five days after opening when properly sealed and refrigerated, which aligns with the idea of a few days as the maximum effective extension. Hence, this option correctly captures the reality of how wine preservation works after it has been opened.