What Happens to Wine When Stored Upright? Surprising Facts Revealed!

Storing wine can be a delicate and precise process. When it comes to traditional cork-closed bottles, it’s essential to store them on their sides. Placing them upright may lead to a significant problem over time. The cork will start to shrink, causing air to enter the bottle, which can result in ruined wine. Here are a few reasons why laying wine bottles on their sides is the best practice for wine storage:

By laying a bottle of wine on its side, it helps keep the cork hydrated;

The cork needs to stay moist, and if a bottle is stored upright, the cork dries out, which will shrink it;

Air can seep into the bottle if the cork shrinks, which will cause the wine to go bad quickly;

When a bottle of wine is stored horizontally, it slows down the breathing process, which occurs when oxygen enters the bottle, changing the wine’s flavor.

Moreover, laying the bottle on its side will also aid in mellowing the tannins present in the wine. The positioning necessarily helps the wine maintain its quality, ensuring you’re drinking the best quality. It’s essential to follow wine storage best practices to ensure you’re getting the most out of your bottle, and laying it on its side is one way to achieve just that.

The importance of cork hydration

Cork is a natural and porous material used to seal wine bottles. It works to keep the wine within the bottle and oxygen out. Proper cork hydration is crucial for the longevity of the wine. When wine bottles are stored on their sides, the wine keeps the cork moist, and the cork expands to seal the bottle firmly.

Negative effects of storing wine upright

Storing wine bottles upright is a common mistake made by many wine enthusiasts. The problem with storing wine bottles upright is that the cork dries out, leading to shrinkage. When the cork shrinks, it allows air to enter the bottle and react with the wine, spoiling it. Storing your wine upright can ruin even the finest of wines and make them taste like vinegar. It is, therefore, essential to store your wine bottles on their side, especially if they have a traditional cork stopper.

Cork shrinkage leads to spoilage

Cork shrinkage is a natural occurrence in wine storage. When you store wine bottles upright, the moisture within the cork quickly evaporates, leading to shrinkage. Over time, this shrinkage can become so severe that it allows air and bacteria to enter the bottle, leading to spoilage. A corked wine that has spoiled tends to have a musty smell and a sour taste. If you’re not sure whether your bottle has spoiled, look for a dark, cloudy color in the wine. This color is a telltale sign of spoilage.

Aeration: What it means for wine

Aeration is a term used to describe the process of exposing wine to air. When wine is exposed to air, the tannins in the wine begin to soften, and the wine opens up, releasing its flavors and aromas. Aeration is essential for some wines, especially young red wines that tend to be more tannic. However, too much air exposure can also lead to spoilage. Finding the right balance between appropriate aeration and air exposure is key to preserving the wine’s quality.

Benefits of laying wine bottles on their side

Laying wine bottles on their sides is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, storing wine bottles on their side keeps the cork moist and expands it so that it seals the bottle appropriately, preventing air from entering. Secondly, laying the bottle on its side also allows for slow aeration. As the wine ages, it undergoes subtle chemical changes that lead to improved taste and aroma. Thirdly, laying wine bottles on their side allows for optimal storage space. Storing bottles on their sides makes it easier to store multiple bottles together, making it more convenient for wine collectors.

How storing wine properly affects taste over time

Proper wine storage is crucial for preserving the wine’s quality and taste over time. As mentioned earlier, storing wine bottles upright quickly leads to cork shrinkage and spoilage. Proper storage means storing the bottles on their sides in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Wines that are well-stored improve in taste and aroma as they age, while poorly stored wine can taste bad and be unpalatable.

Common misconceptions about wine storage

There are several common misconceptions when it comes to storing wine. Firstly, it’s a common belief that wine should always be stored at room temperature. While room temperature may be suitable for short-term storage, it can cause the wine to age faster, leading to spoilage. Secondly, wine bottles should never be stored near or on top of the refrigerator. The heat from the fridge can negatively affect the wine. Thirdly, wine bottles should always be stored in a vertical position when they have a screw cap or plastic cork. Unlike traditional corked bottles, these types of bottles don’t require hydration, and standing them upright does not affect their quality. In conclusion, proper wine storage is essential for preserving the quality of your wine over time. Storing your wine bottles on their sides keeps the cork moist, prevents shrinkage, and allows for optimal aeration. Common misconceptions such as storing wine at room temperature and storing bottles on top of the fridge can lead to spoilage. It’s essential to store your wine in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, to maintain its quality over time.