Can You Store Wine Upright? Uncorking the Truth About Wine Storage
Storing wine upright is generally not recommended for long-term storage of wines sealed with natural corks because it can lead to the cork drying out and shrinking, potentially causing oxidation and spoilage. However, for wines sealed with screw caps or intended for short-term consumption (within a few weeks), upright storage is perfectly acceptable.
The Age-Old Debate: Horizontal vs. Vertical Storage
For centuries, the prevailing wisdom surrounding wine storage has been that bottles should be stored horizontally. This practice, ingrained in cellaring tradition, stems from the need to keep natural corks moist. But is this ancient rule still relevant in the modern age of wine, and are there exceptions to the horizontal rule? Let’s delve into the science and practicality behind the wine storage conundrum.
The Cork’s Crucial Role
The cork, traditionally made from the bark of the cork oak tree, forms the critical barrier between the wine and the outside world. It must maintain a tight seal to prevent oxidation, the process by which oxygen interacts with the wine, leading to unwanted flavors and ultimately spoiling the beverage. When a natural cork dries out, it shrinks, allowing air to seep into the bottle.
Why Horizontal Storage is the Standard
The primary benefit of horizontal storage is that it keeps the wine in contact with the cork. This continuous contact ensures the cork remains moist and swollen, maintaining its sealing properties and preventing air from entering the bottle. This is particularly important for wines intended for aging, where long-term preservation is paramount.
The Rise of Alternative Closures: Screw Caps and Synthetic Corks
The wine world has witnessed a significant shift in recent decades with the emergence of alternative closures such as screw caps (also known as Stelvin closures) and synthetic corks. These closures offer distinct advantages over natural cork, particularly in terms of consistency and reliability.
- Screw Caps: Provide an airtight seal, eliminating the risk of cork taint (a musty off-flavor caused by a chemical compound called TCA) and preventing oxidation more effectively than many natural corks.
- Synthetic Corks: Made from plastic polymers, offering a consistent seal and eliminating the risk of cork taint. However, some synthetic corks may not be as effective as natural corks for very long-term aging.
When Upright Storage is Acceptable
Storing wine upright is perfectly acceptable in the following scenarios:
- Wines with Screw Caps: Screw caps create an airtight seal, regardless of the bottle’s orientation. No need to store these horizontally.
- Wines with Synthetic Corks: While synthetic corks don’t require constant moisture, they may not be ideal for very long-term storage regardless of orientation, due to potential for gradual oxygen ingress.
- Wines Intended for Short-Term Consumption: If you plan to consume the wine within a few weeks, upright storage will not significantly impact the cork’s moisture content or the wine’s quality. This is particularly true for wines stored in a relatively cool, humid environment.
Factors Influencing Cork Moisture
Several factors influence how quickly a cork dries out when a bottle is stored upright:
- Ambient Humidity: Higher humidity levels help to maintain the cork’s moisture content, even in upright storage.
- Temperature: Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the cork to expand and contract, potentially compromising the seal.
- Cork Quality: The quality of the cork itself plays a crucial role. Higher-quality corks are denser and more resilient, making them less prone to drying out.
Best Practices for Wine Storage (Regardless of Orientation)
Regardless of whether you store your wine horizontally or vertically, certain best practices apply:
- Maintain a Consistent Temperature: Aim for a temperature between 55°F and 65°F (13°C to 18°C).
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV light can damage the wine and degrade the cork.
- Control Humidity: Ideal humidity levels are between 50% and 70%.
- Minimize Vibrations: Excessive vibrations can disturb the sediment and affect the wine’s aging process.
A Simple Guide: Table of Wine Storage Recommendations
| Closure Type | Storage Orientation | Long-Term Storage (Years) | Short-Term Storage (Weeks) | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Cork | Horizontal | Recommended | Acceptable | Maintain humidity, avoid temperature fluctuations |
| Screw Cap | Either | Acceptable | Acceptable | Airtight seal, no risk of cork taint |
| Synthetic Cork | Either | Limited | Acceptable | Potential for oxygen ingress over extended periods |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will storing wine upright definitely ruin it?
No, storing wine upright will not necessarily ruin it. The effect depends on the closure type, storage conditions, and intended storage duration. Wines with screw caps are completely unaffected, and wines with natural corks stored upright for a short period are unlikely to suffer any significant damage.
How long can I store a corked wine upright before it becomes a problem?
This is difficult to pinpoint exactly, as it depends on the factors mentioned above. As a general guideline, avoid storing corked wines upright for more than a few weeks if long-term aging isn’t a goal. If the environment is particularly dry, even shorter periods may pose a risk.
If I’ve been storing my wine upright, is it already ruined?
Not necessarily! Check the cork. If it’s still moist and not visibly shrunken, the wine is likely fine. Smell and taste the wine for any signs of oxidation (e.g., sherry-like aromas, dull flavors). If it still tastes good, enjoy it!
Does the type of wine (red, white, rosé) affect whether it can be stored upright?
The type of wine itself doesn’t directly affect the suitability of upright storage. The closure type and intended storage duration are the most important factors. However, remember that red wines are typically intended for longer aging than most white wines or rosés.
Is it safe to store sparkling wine upright?
Sparkling wine is typically stored horizontally, and it’s generally not recommended to store them upright. While the pressure inside the bottle helps keep the cork secure, long-term upright storage could still lead to the cork drying out and losing its elasticity.
Does the thickness of the cork matter?
Yes, thicker, higher-quality corks generally provide a better seal and are more resistant to drying out than thinner, lower-quality corks. However, even the best corks can dry out if stored upright for extended periods in a dry environment.
Can I rehydrate a dried-out cork?
Once a cork has dried out significantly, it’s very difficult to rehydrate it effectively. The damage to the seal is often irreversible, and the wine may have already suffered from oxidation. Prevention is always better than cure.
What if I don’t have space to store my wine horizontally?
If space is limited, consider purchasing a small wine fridge or cooler designed for upright storage. These units typically have humidity control to help maintain the cork’s moisture. Alternatively, prioritize consuming the wines intended for short-term enjoyment first.
Are there any other reasons to store wine horizontally besides keeping the cork moist?
Some argue that horizontal storage allows for better sediment distribution, but this is a minor consideration compared to the importance of cork preservation. Sediment will settle regardless of the bottle’s orientation.
Should I rotate bottles stored horizontally?
Rotating bottles is generally not necessary and can even be detrimental. It can disturb the sediment and potentially agitate the wine. Leave the bottles undisturbed as much as possible.
What about storing wine bottles in their original cardboard boxes?
Storing wine in its original cardboard box is acceptable for short-term storage but is not ideal for long-term aging. The boxes offer limited protection from temperature fluctuations and vibrations.
If I’m unsure, should I just store all my wine horizontally?
If you’re unsure about the closure type or intended storage duration, storing all your wine horizontally is a safe and conservative approach, especially if you intend to age the wines. You can always store wines with screwcaps horizontally without any negative effects.