Why do you store wine lying down?

"Why do we store wine lying down?"

Good question.

It's a question almost every wine lover has asked themselves at some point: "Should that new bottle be stored upright or lying flat?" While the answer seems simple at first glance—"flat, of course!"—there's more to it than meets the eye. Let me take you into the fascinating world of wine storage, and we'll see where tradition and science intersect.

The role of the cork: friend and foe

Cork is actually a remarkable natural product. Think of it as a microscopic sponge, made up of millions of tiny air cells. This structure makes cork perfect for sealing wine bottles, but it also creates an interesting dilemma. A dry cork is like a squeezed-out sponge—it shrinks, hardens, and loses its flexibility. And that's where the problem begins.

The Oxidation Effect: When Oxygen Ruins Your Wine

When a cork dries out, it creates more and more tiny channels. These channels allow more and more oxygen to seep into your bottle. The result? Your wine slowly but surely oxidizes. Those refined fruity notes you love so much? Replaced by flat, musty flavors that are more reminiscent of cardboard than a quality wine.

Now, that doesn't mean we should all replace cork with screw caps (which, by the way, also have their place). A little oxygen over time is also good for the development of your bottle.

The traditional solution: store horizontally

Storing wine horizontally isn't a random tradition. By tilting the bottle, the cork stays in contact with the wine. This constant moistening keeps the cork supple and in shape, allowing it to optimally perform its function as a natural seal.

But... is horizontal storage always necessary?

Here's where things get interesting. Recent research questions this age-old wisdom. Some experts ( Australian Wine Institute, 2005 ) suggest that modern corks are so good that storing them upright is no longer a problem. And what about alternative closures? A screw cap doesn't suffer from drying out—in fact, some producers actually recommend storing them upright (so the sediment sinks nicely to the bottom).

The practical reality

For the average wine lover, horizontal storage remains the safest choice. Not only because of the cork, but also because most wine racks are simply designed for this. Moreover, this creates a consistent storage method for all your bottles. Furthermore, based on personal experience, not every product uses the same quality cork. So, definitely err on the side of caution and opt for a storage solution where the cork is sufficiently exposed to moisture.

The ideal storage conditions

Besides the position of your bottle, there are some other crucial factors for optimal wine storage:

• Temperature : Aim for a constant 12-15°C
• Light : Avoid direct sunlight, dark is better.
• Humidity : Ideally between 60-80%
• Vibrations : Minimize bottle movement

Modern alternatives and innovations

The wine world is constantly evolving. Synthetic corks, glass stoppers, and screw caps are gaining ground. These alternatives make the discussion about storage even more interesting. They offer reliable seals without the risk of cork-related problems.

The future of wine storage

While the debate about the ideal storage position continues, the focus is increasingly shifting to sustainable and practical solutions. Innovative wine racks and coolers that allow for both horizontal and vertical storage are becoming increasingly popular.

Conclusion: what does this mean for your wine?

For precious wines, like the Château Pédesclaux pictured above, that you want to keep for a long time, horizontal storage remains the gold standard. For everyday wines you'll drink within a few months, the storage position is less critical. The most important thing is that you enjoy your wine, whether you store it horizontally or vertically.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I store wine upright without any problems?
   Usually up to 3 months without noticeable effect on quality.
2. Does storage position matter for sparkling wines?
   Champagne and other bubbles can be stored upright, some even say this is better for the cork.
3. What if my wine has a synthetic cork?
   With synthetic corks, the storage position is less important, but storing them flat remains a safe choice.
4. How do I know if my wine is oxidized?
   Do you taste cardboardy flavors or does the wine have a brownish color? Then oxidation is likely the culprit.
5. Can I still 'save' an oxidized wine?
   Unfortunately not. Once oxidized, the process is irreversible.