Do you have any doubts about the best way to store Port wine at home?
This article will help you.
Storing Port wine properly is essential if its unique flavours and aromas are to be preserved. As such, we're going to guide you through this issue and share with you the best practices so that you can store your bottles correctly and enjoy this wine at its best. Come along!
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STORE YOUR PORT?
When choosing a place to store your bottles of Port wine, these are the main factors you should take into consideration:
1. Temperature
Temperature is crucial in the conservation of Port wine. Temperatures that are too high or too low can alter its matrix.
Therefore, choose spaces where there is no major temperature fluctuation and where it can ideally be maintained between 14° and 18°C.
2. Light
Port wine is sensitive to light, especially direct sunlight, which can irreversibly alter its organoleptic component.
So give preference to dark places or places with reduced lighting, such as closets or pantries. However, be careful not to store the bottles next to products or foods that can give them strong odors.
3. Humidity
Humidity is another critical element for wine preservation. The ideal humidity level in the space where you will store it should be between 50% and 70%.
Too low humidity can cause the corks to become dry and allow air to enter the bottle, while excessive humidity can cause mold to grow and damage the cork. In both scenarios, product quality may be compromised.
4. Stability
Ensure that your bottles are stored in a stable place, which is not subject to strong vibrations or fluctuations in temperature and light. Also don't forget to keep wine away from electronic devices that are sources of heat, such as the refrigerator.
If you are a true Port wine lover, it may be worth investing in a small wine refrigerator or a climate-controlled wine cellar. These devices maintain the ideal temperature and humidity, ensuring that your bottles are stored in the best conditions.
If you are thinking about creating a wine cellar in your home, see the
4 essential steps you must follow to do so in an easy and practical way.
STORE THE BOTTLES HORIZONTAL OR VERTICALLY?
In general, wine should be stored horizontally. And why are wine bottles laid down? To ensure that the cork stays moist. When a bottle is in this position, the wine remains in constant contact with the cork, preventing it from drying out.
If the cork dries out, it can shrink and allow air into the bottle, which oxidises the wine and can have an impact on its quality. This oxidation process causes the wine to evolve rapidly, losing its flavours and aromas. As such, keeping bottles horizontal until they are opened is an advisable practice to preserve the longevity and properties of the wine.
When it comes to Port wine, however, this rule is not so straightforward. The best way to store these bottles will depend on the type of cork that seals each of the different wine profiles.
Two types of closure are common in Port wine:
> a stopper made entirely of cork, like the one used in still wines;
> and the capsulated stopper, also called bartop or t-top, which is made up of two main parts: the capsule (usually made of plastic or wood) and the cork stopper.
The type of closure will determine how you store your bottles.
So, if your Port wine has a full cork stopper, you should store the bottles horizontally. This is the case, for example, with Vintage Ports, which are sealed with this type of stopper. If you have a capsulated cork, then you should store your bottles vertically. As a rule, all wines that you can open and store once opened have this type of stopper.
HOW LONG CAN AN UNOPENED PORT WINE BE KEPT?
The durability of each bottle depends very much on the
type of Port in question, as each category has different ageing characteristics.You can, however, follow these general guidelines:
> Ruby Port: This is a younger wine with a fruity character that is ready to drink when bottled. However, an unopened Ruby Port can be kept for 5 to 10 years in good conditions.
> Tawny Port: Tawnies are aged in wood, which makes them more resistant to time. A good quality Tawny Port can be kept unopened for periods of 20 to 30 years or more.
> White Port: In the case of young White Ports, they should ideally be consumed 2-3 years after bottling. Aged White Ports, on the other hand, can be kept for 10 to 15 years or more.
> Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) Port: LBVs are bottled after an ageing period in wood of between 4 and 6 years, and are then ready for immediate consumption. Closed, they still have a good ageing capacity and can be stored for 10 to 15 years.
> Vintage Port: This is the type of Port with the greatest potential for ageing in your home. In fact, it is the only Port that is made to age in the bottle. Once bottled, a Vintage Port has the unique ability to continue to evolve in the bottle, developing more complex flavors and aromas over time. Closed and under ideal conditions, a Vintage Port can be kept for 30 to 50 years or even longer.
Storing Port correctly is essential not only to preserve its quality, but also to enrich your tasting experience. With these tips, you'll be ready to enjoy your Port wines in the best possible way.
If you want to enrich your collection, visit our online store UVA Wine Shop. Explore our selection and find the perfect Port for you!
