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+--- Forum: For the Novice (https://www.wines.com/wineboard/forum-2.html)
+--- Thread: Wine Dummy queries storage of basic wines. (/thread-16593.html)
- loneranger - 03-08-2001
Total novice just buying some reds and whites. How do I store reds and whites -- up, down, sideways. I don't have a climate control room, but do possess a dark, dank, cool basement.
- james.ramey - 03-08-2001
i believe that you store the wine on its side to keep the cork moist
jr
- Innkeeper - 03-08-2001
That's the best advice. Also keep the bottles separated from each other so they don't get jostled when removing one. If, they can't be on their sides, such as when a new case comes in and won't fit on the rack for awhile, turn them upsidedown. Never leave them upright. If you have one of those fancy racks that holds a bottle or two of wine in an exquisite pose, but pointing somewhat upward; use a bottle or two of something bubbly. The sparklers can handle uprightness better than table wine.
- winecollector - 03-15-2001
First of all, welcome to the Wine Board. The two previous responses are right on the money. But being that you are a "total novice" as you have said, I think it's important for you to realize that most "basic wines" are not meant to be cellared, but to be drank shortly after release. If your intentions are to just have some wine laying around the house for when you feel like opening one, that's great. But I would not recommend keeping wines such as that longer than 6 months to a year, as they will not improve with age. Wines that are meant to be cellared, are ones that will improve with age, and in most cases (not all) are more expensive than your basic wines.
For now, enjoy what you have found that you like to drink, and as you gradually learn more about wine and your taste preferences, you'll begin discovering the differences in what wines are meant to drink shortly after purchasing, and which wines really need to be cellared. Have fun!