quote:
Originally posted by finz:
quote:
Originally posted by Redhawk:
Additionally, there are many intelligent posters on this forum and elsewhere who believe that you don't really need to store bottles horizontally. I tend to disagree, at least for long-term ageing, but the theory is supported many thoughtful proponents. So you may decide that standing up a few awkward bottles may be a reasonable solution.
what about the position that champange intended to stored for long periods (10+yrs) should only be stored upright, never horizontal? bunk or good advice?
Honestly, I don't know. To me, it just makes sense to keep the cork in contact with the liquid inside to help maintain the best seal. Like I said, there are others who disagree with me, and they can state their case quite well. I just remember a bottle of Dom Ruinart that my Dad had squirreled away for years in an upright position. By the time I found it, the cork was bone dry and shriveled up to a tiny little peg, and the wine was obviously undrinkable. I can see that if the cork were to blow, you would certainly have more of a mess if the bottle was on it's side, so maybe that's the reason for the suggestion. Also, it seems most luxury cuvee Champagne bottles are shaped so that they really don't sit very well on their sides. Perhaps this was intentional (more than just forcing folks to display the label by sitting it up--which would be a subtle potential marketing ploy I could not put past the big corporate Champagne firms).
Maybe someone who has been to Champagne can chime in and describe how the locals store their long-term bottles?