Argon
Definition - What does Argon mean?
Argon is a gas that can be added to opened bottles of wine in order to preserve the characteristics of the wine for drinking at a later date. When compared with vacuum sealants, argon and other gas products keep the wine fresher for longer periods of time. Most of the time argon is blended with carbon dioxide and nitrogen in gas systems which claim to preserve an opened bottle of wine.
WineFrog explains Argon
Some gas additives use 100% argon which is said to be better than using gas blended sprays or additives. Argon is a chemical additives and considered a noble gas on the periodic table – this classification entails that the gas is harmless, odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It is heavier than the air we breathe and that makes it able to form an oxygen barrier between the wine and air. The argon when added to an opened bottle keeps the oxygen away from the surface of the liquid therefore preserving the wine.
The main reason to use Argon as a preservation technique is because it is easy to use. There are many companies who supply portable argon gas “sprays” that are inexpensive and can be used any time after the bottle is open. By utilizing argon gas, the consumer can save money and bottles of wine, especially during holiday seasons when multiple bottles may be opened but not finished. Argon acts a natural preserver to wine when added into the open bottled and then recorked for future consumption.
