Storing wines correctly

Storing wines correctly – what should I bear in mind? Should I store the bottles horizontally or put them on the shelf? What problems are there and what do I do with really valuable wines?

For early enjoyment

Wines that will be enjoyed within 1-2 years do not require any special storage conditions. They should therefore be stored upright and, if possible, at a maximum of approx. 16°C. Wines with other closures such as screw caps, plastic corks or pressed corks made from cork shot also belong in this category. This is because many wines, even really good ones, are sold ready to drink and therefore do not need to be stored.

Wines with storage potential

However, the situation is different for valuable wines with great ageing potential. This is because they develop advantageously with several years of bottle ageing. New aroma compounds are formed and the tannins soften. However, this process requires the right conditions and time.

The most important thing is a constant storage temperature, ideally no higher than 13-15°C. This is because temperature fluctuations are very damaging. This is because temperature fluctuations are very damaging, as they literally wash out the natural cork when stored horizontally. This significantly increases the risk of cork taint and rancidity.

In any case, the benefits of “horizontal storage” are generally greatly overestimated. After all, studies have clearly shown that the widespread opinion that wine “breathes” through the cork is wrong. This is because there is no gas exchange.

Conclusion

As a result, the wine has everything it needs to mature since bottling. In addition, wines sealed with DIAM corks do not suffer any damage even when stored horizontally, because these corks have been freed from the problematic cork flavor components beforehand. They are therefore free from the cork-taste problem. This closure, which is also very similar to natural cork, is now gaining ground worldwide.

In any case, wine should be stored in the dark, cool and not too damp. In other words, never in the living room!

However, anyone who owns valuable wines and does not have a good natural cellar should therefore purchase a climate-controlled cabinet. These are affordable and guarantee that the wine will slumber perfectly and show its best side when enjoyed.

Good examples of wines with a lot of storage potential are wines from: Kanonkop, Meerlust, Kleinood, Rijk’s and Saronsberg