Wine Storage: 5 MISTAKES to AVOID When Storing and Ageing Wine

Let's explore 5 mistakes to avoid when storing and ageing wine
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If, just like me, you enjoy wine, you probably have at least few bottles stored away somewhere to open them later, possibly after several years or even a decade or more. Wines that are meant for ageing usually will cost premium money, therefore it is important to know what mistakes to avoid when storing your wine. You do not want to open a bottle of wine, which you stored for the last 5 or 10 years, just to find out it has been spoiled or is now undrinkable. So, no matter what the reason you hold your wine collection or just that single bottle, these are 5 mistakes to avoid!
You may also be interested in my video about 6 Most Common Wine Faults (Reasons to Send Wine Back): • 6 Most Common Wine Fau...
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[@RobertPorterNZ]

Just had to say I watched this video when I was searching for temp to store wine (recently made a DIY 23l wine kit and have bottled) .. your channel is awesome the range of videos on the different varieties is amazing... I'm sure your channel will grow strong with the great content... cheers from New Zealand

[@NoSediment]

Hey Robert, thank You for this great comment. It means a lot to me! Cheers! 🥂✨🍾

[@gamatoutsikos]

I think more importantly instead of keeping the wine at a cool temperature, is to keep it at a steady temperature. My cold room in the basement is always cool but temperature fluctuates from 16 degrees in the summer to 9 degrees in the winter. Therefore I put a little wine fridge for in there for the expensive bottles that I'm storing for a while

[@NoSediment]

I have always been a firm believer that temperature should be steady for wine ageing. But I recently read that some believe, small temperature fluctuations can aid in wine development. I am not sure and haven’t tried it really. All my wines are stored at the same temperature . 🤷‍♀️

[@gamatoutsikos]

@@NoSediment interesting

[@dognatious6153]

Also: Jostling around (vibration) from the winery (or store) to your home in the hot summer... Tip: In a picnic cooler we put a frozen towel on the bottom with plastic bag above the frozen towel. Then wine on top of that. This reduces the travel vibration/jumbling shock and heat shock.😅

[@TonyS-cm9xk]

Very Nice!

[@MadAuralSkills]

Helpful video! My only issue is that “cork taint” or TCA does not spontaneously develop from storing wine bottles a certain way, but rather it is already in the bottle by the time it leaves the winery due to hygiene issues during production of the wine (such as affected barrels) or the cork itself. It’s a common misconception that not storing bottle’s properly will cause cork taint, though I’m sure it can make those unpleasant characteristics appear more noticeable over time if a wine is already affected.

[@NoSediment]

Thank You for the comment. 👍 I might have not explained myself correctly. If natural cork is infected with TCA and wine is stored horizontally in contact with the cork it will take those unpleasant aromas in and show them in the glass. And yes TCA can also be picked up in the winery, although less often- which is why wines under different closures show cork taint less often. 🙌 Cheers! 🥂🍾

[@MadAuralSkills]

@@NoSediment I totally agree. Thanks for clarifying! Cheers!

[@NickDeWachter]

So I'm not the only one who keeps those special bottles tucked away in that corner for a special occasion that never comes 😀

[@NoSediment]

Nick, no, You are not alone! I do that way too often! 🙁

[@vangestelwijnen]

Yup. Plenty of wines stored for occasions that will never come.

[@1234mudfish]

The bottle IS the occasion

[@NoSediment]

Hahaha! 😅

[@Blair338RUM]

Lol

[@EricZeak]

Thank you for the storage tips! Of the five tips, is there one you would say is the most important?

[@NoSediment]

Aaa, tough question, Eric. The most trouble I have gotten is by keeping wines way too long! 😞

[@mohammedalotaibi6683]

شكراً لك على النصيحة . انتي فتاة رائعة 🥂

[@QualeQualeson]

Like many other viewers, I had no idea that the CO2 keeps the cork moist, and that this makes storing sparkling wine vertically an option worth considering. I've read a lot of comments on it, and I'd like to clarify to people what seems to have gotten a little "lost in translation": Your Champagne has a very low chance of being "corked", especially if it's not very old. I don't know what the actual percentage is, but it's possibly less than 1% depending on quality/price and vintage. When she says to keep sparkling wine upright, it's to reduce that % further. That's all. There's no need to panic if you have stored your Champagne horizontally like most people do. Nothing has changed. You still have the same tiny chance that a bottle will be corked as before. All she's saying is that since the CO2 keeps the corks moist, storing them upright (from the start) will/might reduce it even further.

[@NoSediment]

Thank You! 🙌🍾🥂 You are absolutely correct, and thank You for clarifying this! 🙏🏻

[@user-kc3pe7pc8w]

Прекрасное видео. К счастью, ни одной ошибки из перечисленных за собой не заметил) Есть винный погреб. Там темно, довольно прохладно и не сильно влажно. Тихие вина лежат, игристые и портвейны стоя́т) Хранить вечно не собираюсь, выпиваю чаще всего через три-пять лет после закладки. Cheers! P.S. очень приятная и грамотная подача контента. Вы молодец! 🍷🍷

[@NoSediment]

Thank You for the lovely words and comments! 🙏🏻

[@myrahouse2368]

Oops I’ve got loads of red been there years 😫flippin heck I stored wrong too. Luckily mine are in the dark. I’m considering making a small wine cellar under my stairs… Looks like I need to Chuck my bottles now.

[@tonyp6680]

Not sure but I believe my wine cooler is to blame for ruining several bottles of red including a port. I had a dark spot in the room where I kept wines for daily use and never had any issues. The problem in a tightly sealed cooler could be a very low humidity. Someone recently told me that there are various ways to raise the humidity in the cooler, including frequent door opening. Anyhow, I got rid of my cooler. Air conditioned room is not perfect but acceptable and I would suggest to slightly cool the bottle in the fridge before opening. Of course, a dark humid cellar in the basement is the best.

[@NoSediment]

I am sorry to hear that. But yes, it might be because of the dry conditions, that leads to dried cork, which no longer serves the purpose thus allowing extra oxygen to get into bottles and ruining the wine. 🍷 Definitely, great suggestion to cool Your wines- both red and whites before serving! Yes! 🙌🥂✨ Cheers!

[@parkourguyyy]

I didnt intentionally buy it for ageing, but Ive had a bottle of Zonin merlot sitting on a shelf for 10 years now that I got during my time in germany. been looking forward to trying it out, but I kept it vertical and at room temperature for the entire time... I'm gonna try it out, but hoping it doesnt come out rancid!

[@NoSediment]

Interesting to hear in what condition the wine will be…

[@dimitrimulder381]

So what's the story behind the Jason Voorhees mask in the back? Very informative episode btw!

[@NoSediment]

Thank You! 🙏🏻😂 And he is there just to keep the company to the Grady daughters! 🤷‍♂️ #horrorfan

[@Mardello]

I disagree with storing sparkling standing. For long term the major Chateaus store horizontally and they set the standard.

[@NoSediment]

Hi, 🤔 1. Champagne by the producers is stored (aged actually) horizontally under crown cup, and that is something different. It is not storing, it is ageing - winemaking process is not done yet, wine is on the lees. 2. Some houses will disgorge their Champagne (remove lees) only when they receive order - therefore wine will be aged on the lees in horizontal position (meaning not a lot of wine stored under natural cork at all). 3. Question of space - choice to store wines horizontally might be done in order to safe space. You can store less wine in the same space in the upright position. 4. My champagnes are stored in upright position - it is very expensive beverage, I don’t want it to be corked. 😞

[@Mardello]

No no, I’m not talking about Lees. I’m talking about their stock of champagne that is bottled and stored.

[@bobmarley2140]

@@Mardello I have seen many videos inside of champagne houses cellars with some bottles dating back to the 1800s and they all appear to be under a cork enclosure and stored horizontally and cork taint isn't really something I worry about when it comes to top champagne houses, in fact I don't think I have ever heard someone complaining about a corked champagne and the funny thing is some are stored vertically but upside down vertically HA! I would like to see some real scientific info on this because I do have a few special bottles that I would like to be drinkable in 10 years

[@NoSediment]

Champagne just as any other wine stored under the natural cork can be infected by TCA. The fact that people don’t talk about it enough, doesn’t mean it is not an issue. Similarly as with clear glass bottles, people don’t talk about it and major champagne houses still bottle some of their top wines in the clear glass, but very high amount if wines You open are spoiled.

[@bobmarley2140]

@@NoSediment Yes of course it is a thing but we discovered what we think was behind corked bottles in the 80s and they have been very careful to mitigate contamination, how many times have you opened a bottle from a top champagne house from a vintage after 2000 and it has been corked? I'm willing to bet it is never! What I would like to know is how the alcohol in the wine breaks down the cork and if this breaking down of the cork affects flavour like a teabag in water I imagine it does impart a flavour after a long while, best way of finding out would be to compare two bottles from the same vintage one stored vertically one stored horizontally, maybe a video idea for the future? I am defensive of my belief because I really hope I have not spoiled my bottles by storing them incorrectly

[@GalenAus]

What are your thoughts on the 2005 Australia Wine Research Institute study regarding cork? Apparently if humidity is maintained at a regular level there should be no difference if a bottle is stored vertically?

[@NoSediment]

I actually have missed that study. If that is possible, could You please share it with me? It kinda makes sense, no? 😅

[@gamatoutsikos]

How can you define the right time to open a wine? On your last point you say don't store the wine for too long. At the same time they recommend to let it age. That for me is always a mystery. I am planning on opening a 2012 stags Leap cali wine tomorrow. A friend who is coming over said to me 10 years is too long for this wine. I hope it didn't spoil

[@NoSediment]

It really comes down to trial and error. Books and critics, and winemakers will tell You one thing, but when You open and taste wines - it will be a totally different experience. + each bottle can develop differently. I am not sure which wine You have from Stags Leap (or is it Stags Leap Wine Cellars) and what grape it is, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon should be fine if stored properly. 🍷🤞 Cheers!

[@nilespartridge5704]

I have been reading recently about recent studies which suggest wine need not be stored horizontally, and in fact, may be worse due to a higher possibility of cork taint from the cork being in constant contact with the wine itself. This goes completely opposite of everything I have been taught, but check it out for yourself online and come to your own conclusions . As for me, I will continue to keep my bottles stored horizontally until we get some definitive proof.

[@NoSediment]

I try to store all my wines horizontally, except for the sparkling wines. Those are, if possible, stored vertically. That, however, is not as space efficient. 😞 Thank You for Your comment and insight! 💪👍🍷

[@richardcalisi9188]

I make my own wine from the grapes, and I always store the bottle horizontally. Never had a problem.

[@nicholasfallowfield4379]

@@NoSediment but in the champagne cellars of Moet & Chandon, Ruinart, Dom Perignon etc they are stored horizontally. If it works for them....

[@NoSediment]

@@nicholasfallowfield4379 It makes sense for them because if You store vertically, it is not very space efficient. :(

[@siegbert_schnoesel]

​@@nicholasfallowfield4379the bottles don't even have a cork for the aging part, so it doesn't matter

[@phuntsokphotography]

So what type of wine or grape is good or aging you mentioned fine wine. Is there way we can tell when we purchase the bottle which is good for aging? And also what temperature would you recommend setting on wine fridge and would the set temp be same for all types of wine that’s inside? Thank you

[@NoSediment]

I am so, so sorry for such a late reply. A month ago I was all over my head about the upcoming exam. 🤦‍♀️ Well, there are some grapes, price categories and regions that are safer in terms of wine ageing than others. But overall, there really is not one rule to follow. Tasting and reading the right things to go. 😉🍷 As with temperatures for storage, I set my temperature to very low (10-12oC), but You are good up to 18oC. And even a bit higher, as long as it is stable is fine. All wines can be stored at the same temperature, it is the serving temperature that changes for whites and reds! 🍾😀 Cheers! 🍷

[@phuntsokphotography]

@@NoSediment no worries thank you for your response I recently got into wine mainly red wine and wanted to my own personal red wine to store that ages well. 🥂

[@phuntsokphotography]

@@NoSediment also hopefully your exam went well, if still haven’t taken the exam good luck.

[@mattmartinez7]

First time watcher. What can you tell me about that bottle on the right thats behind you?

[@NoSediment]

Thank You! 🙏🏻 Which one? The Riesling or the Inglenook Rubicon? 🍷

[@mattmartinez7]

@@NoSediment the Inglenook Rubicon

[@HumblebeeRules]

I was told by a winemaker that another reason why wines should be stored horizontally is that the aromatic particles in the liquid are spread more evenly through the bottle so the wine can age "better" than when the bottle is vertically which pushes the aromatics to the bottom of the bottle. Is this true? Because otherwise there would not be a reason to store anything but cork horizontally except for saving some space.

[@NoSediment]

This is the first time I have ever heard anything like that. Therefore I have no idea. But, I doubt it. And yes, people do suggest that wines under screw cup not necessarily need to be stored vertically. 🤷‍♀️

[@axelsaul4207]

I have a 5..6 degrees celcius varation between day and night temperature. Is that too much? Or is it ok? I only keep them for 2 to 5 years. My long term ageing wines are in my wine fridge

[@NoSediment]

I think it depends more on the average temperature. There are even some who believe that small variations in temperature actually aids into wine’s development. However, I do think it is best to keep Your premium wines at the steady temperature, just as You are doing! 😃😇

[@paulwhitehead1190]

Agnese, do you have any tips to teach me how to be more patient? I keep drinking the wine I buy that is meant for storage lol

[@NoSediment]

Very nice question. Where possible, I buy several wines of the same label, so I have possibility to taste through their evolution. Though, I don’t have financial means to do that with very expensive bottles. For those, the price actually helps to keep them in the cellar, as I don’t feel okay opening expensive bottle daily. 🙃

[@paulwhitehead1190]

@@NoSediment ah so that’s how it’s done 👍🏻 Thanks Agnese.. I’ll definitely give it a go

[@Blair338RUM]

@@paulwhitehead1190 Give it a go. Show some restraint 😂😂

[@vrme4420]

How long could one store wine in the living room without spoiling it? The stand is in the shadier side of the appartment, in a Nordic country. Far from optimal but we buy for consumtion and not too pricey. I guess a bottle could remain unopened for a year or two though.

[@NoSediment]

It is a very good question, to which I don’t have a real answer. 1. Light affects way more than we care to admit, therefore shade is fine. 2. Nordic country probably means some sort of heating system - wines next to a heater or on the heated floor will spoil quicker. 3. Lastly each of us has different sensitivity to what is considered spoiled wine. One will be very sensitive to oxidation and will not enjoy the wine, while other won’t notice a difference. It is a trial and error type of thing. But I tend to keep my wines not longer than 6 months outside wine fridge or cellar. And mostly only those that are meant for early consumption. So if they spoil, there is not much grief. 🤷‍♀️

[@vrme4420]

Thank your your advice! The heating is in the other side of the room. We will make sure to drink the bottles before summer then!

[@Bakazinha]

What if i purchased a really good Amarone and store it for 10 years. That should be fine right? As long as it's stored the right way and taken care of. While 30+ years might be too long

[@NoSediment]

Amarone is one of the wines that can age, because it usually has high alcohol levels. I think 10 years are completely fine for Amarone, and even more. 😉 Cheers! 🍷

[@wangwhatthehell8945]

Do you have a recommended brand for wine cabinets?

[@NoSediment]

I actually have only been using one since I started my wine career and it has never failed me -> Liebherr. But since I never really had experience with other ones, I cannot tell You if I am being objective enough. 🤷‍♀️ I should do a little research, I guess.

[@joselindoamaral5286]

Hi there. Thank you for the tips! I have a very wacky idea. Basically, I plan on getting married in the next four years. I want to start buying wine for the big day so I am going to subscribe to Bright Cellars and get a box of wine delivered every month for the next four years. I intend to store it in a room that gets basically no light and has space to hold all of the bottles. Is this a bad idea? Considering I cannot control the temperature unless I leave the air conditioner on for the next four years😅😂.

[@NoSediment]

I think that is great idea. 🍾🥂 And congratulations! ✨Two things I would like to add, if You don’t mind: a) it would be the best if the temperature doesn’t rise above 20oC in that room. 😉 b) Check what wines You get from the subscription (sometimes You will get wines that are best to open as soon as possible and enjoy while they last). 🍾🍾🍾 Cheers!

[@Natashaz48]

Yay 🎉 tannat ❤

[@NoSediment]

Yey’ 🍷

[@tjijsie]

Champagne houses store all their bottled champagne horizontally, also their long-term stock. Veuve Clicquot has a vid on it on youtube.

[@NoSediment]

Two reasons for this: space efficiency. As I say - storing Champagne in upright position is not very space efficient. And when the wines are under crown cap (ageing) - there is no reason to be stored in upright position then. 🤷‍♀️ You don’t need to follow it, I am just giving advice, I store all my bubbles vertically, I am fortunate to have the space for them. 🍾 Cheers! 🥂

[@tjijsie]

@@NoSediment on, say a website like Mumm (not my favorite by a length, but still), they advise horizontally. I guess with the sparkling wines, there is less difference between both options, but for what I read by far most producers and merchants advise horizontal long term storage, no matter what the space is.

[@NoSediment]

I cannot argue with that, I haven’t seen it. But I know a lot of Masters of Wine and Champagne experts who agree with sparkling wines being stored vertically. And and there is science behind, as I explain it. There are many things that are not right, but still winemakers do it, one of it being wines bottled in clear glass - way too many wines get spoiled by the light. Even though many do it, it doesn’t mean it is right. But then again, when new studies come in and we understand more about processes involved, I might change what I think. Currently, I store my sparkling wines upright. 🤷‍♀️

[@joe-zp7ge]

omg...i have many bottles of vintage champagne in my wine cooler that have say horizontal for years. are they ruined? this includes Bollinger, dom perignon, and tattinger.

[@NoSediment]

I wouldn’t be worried about it that much! They will not be gone or ruined, just storing them in upright position would reduce possibility of cork taint in Champagnes! 🍾✨🥂

[@ganesankpillay3768]

That makes TWO of us . haha

[@jameslee9252]

As I know, many champagne houses store their wine horizontally?

[@NoSediment]

When they are storing wines on their lees - yes, 100% horizontally. And, yes, they also store their wines after disgorgement horizontally: but if they disgorge for order, they will never be kept that way for long, as they are shipped soon. Anyway - it seems very controversial for a lot of people 🤷‍♀️ and each can decide what to do with their bottles. And I keep my Champagnes upwards, if I can. 🍾🥂✨ Cheers!

[@robertomangioni9272]

just freeze your wine and it will last !

[@Blair338RUM]

Store mine at 12C

[@NoSediment]

Sounds perfect! 👌

[@Blair338RUM]

@@NoSediment It gets hot in Australia 😓

[@mbos4115]

Crap. I have been storing my Champagne horizontally… time to reorganise my fridge…

[@NoSediment]

😂😂😂 Because of the space issues, I have some that are stored upright and some that are stored horizontally. 😉

[@larrywilhelm8529]

me too! but I guess I will just go ahead and DRINK all my improperly stored Champagne. 😂

[@educateyourself3872]

Don’t drive the corkscrew too deep or it will leak in your fridge.

[@NoSediment]

🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@JuanGarcia-nr9ps]

How long it's to long?

[@NoSediment]

Unfortunately, it really depends on each specific wine and vintage, and there is no “catch it all” rule. The only thing I can say, Is if You open a bottle of wine and it smells of vinegar, it has been too long. 🙃

[@kdum8]

@@NoSedimentok sure, but can you give a range, short to long, for how long it’s generally acceptable to store wines? Is 1-2 years ok for almost all wines?

[@FatBoySlim696]

Music is way over the top

[@NoSediment]

Thank You for Your advice. You should listen to one of the best wine podcasts “big vin theory” 🙌🙌🙌

[@jimbobjrshabado]

@1.11 Quality acting😂

[@NoSediment]

OMG, so sorry for that! 😅😂😂😂

[@jimbobjrshabado]

Don't be! It's funny! Loving the channel

[@user-ly4gy1iz2e]

What's too long? That point didn't help

[@NoSediment]

Don’t age wine for too long - every wine essentially should become vinegar at some point - if You keep Your precious bottles in the cellar too long, You might miss the window when it is best to enjoy it! 🥂

[@daysofcarnivore]

Video starts at 1:24 you're welcome

[@NoSediment]

There are also time stamps available for my videos! 🙏🏻 I don’t want to take too much of everybody’s time, I know it is treasure.

[@rockwithyou2006]

nonsense. they made such a huge business out of wine. unbelievable.

[@hottuna2006]

Could you please not wave your hands around constantly. It's very distracting and takes attention away from your otherwise great presentation, (even thought there were a couple of points I disagreed with).

[@juandegalesdegales6491]

Yes,very annoying

[@wustachemax]

Lol best to avoid a holiday to Italy then...