Below, we reveal the cases in which a bottle of wine can be stored upright and why we can keep it in this position.

Storing a bottle of wine upright: when and why it is possible

Let's say it and repeat it right away: the horizontal position is ideal for storing a bottle of wine. The reason is known to all enthusiasts and not only: by keeping the bottle horizontal, the cork remains constantly moist because it is always in contact with the wine. The humidity allows the cork to be elastic and to adapt to the shape of the bottle, ensuring an excellent closure and almost total hermeticism. Almost total because, in any case, a minimal amount of oxygen still manages to pass through the cork. This micro-oxygenation has positive effects on the nectar.

On the contrary, storing the wine upright could dry out the cork. Losing elasticity, the cork would no longer adhere to the walls of the "mouth" of the bottle, allowing an excessive amount of oxygen to pass through. This macro-oxygenation has deleterious effects on the nectar.

Based on what has been written so far, it doesn't seem advisable to store a bottle of wine upright.

Instead, there are occasions, mainly two, in which it is possible.

It is possible to store a wine bottle upright when:

● THE BOTTLE HAS A SCREW CAP

The screw cap is airtight. It prevents oxygen from filtering and coming into contact with the wine. The cork stopper, on the other hand, as we have written, is not completely airtight, allowing a minimal amount of oxygen to pass through. In an upright position, the cork dries out and "goodbye" to hermeticism.

Screw caps do not need to be in constant contact with the wine to be airtight. They are airtight in any condition. This is why storing bottles with this type of closure horizontally does not bring any concrete benefit. In short, bottles with screw caps can be safely stored upright.

Wines in bottles with screw caps are "ready", that is, they do not need oxygen to develop and evolve ...

● IN THE BOTTLE THERE ARE WINES TO BE CONSUMED IN A SHORT TIME

Red wines for aging, those that show a particular tendency to evolve in the bottle, are usually closed with a cork stopper, precisely to take advantage of the beneficial effects of micro-oxygenation. They should therefore be stored horizontally.

"Ready" wines, which have already reached their maximum potential, do not require micro-oxygenation. They should be drunk immediately, without letting too much time pass. If consumed within a short time, as recommended, these wines, even if closed with a cork stopper, can be stored upright. We are talking about "young" and "light" white wines.

● YOU NEED TO STORE A SPARKLING WINE

Sparkling wine bottles can also be stored upright, as long as they are drunk within a few weeks. The advantage of this type of wine is the presence of CO2. The carbon dioxide they contain helps to moisten the cork, even without direct contact between the wine and the cork. This is why they can be stored upright/vertically.

In short, the horizontal position will be the most recommended, but it is good to know that the vertical one should not always be demonized. Now buy the wines you prefer in our online wine shop and then store them in the best position.