I have a few bottles of Port that I would like to keep much longer. The type of cork they use (short with a plastic stopper on the top) makes me wonder, what will happen to the Port after a long storage. Should it be kept upright? Or lying down? anybody knows the answer? Zed
Vintage Port should be stored on its side until being opened. (Be sure to stand upright for 24 hours and decant before drinking.) According to my readings, other types of port should be stored upright.
Enjoy!
You didn't read his post - he has Port with the plastic top bonded to a piece of cork - we are NOT talking vintage Port here, so any advice about vintage Port is pretty much irrelevant.
In priciple upright. But these types of port normally do not gain from extended storage (in the contrary), so maybe you could tell us what you intend to cellar to avoid disappoinments.
M.
As Michael and Bill have pointed out, the bottles closed with a plastic-topped cork are not used for vintage ports. Putting away a 20 year tawny will not improve it any. I recently attended a port cave tour in Porto, where they explained about corks, but they didn't mention any special way of ensuring that the closure is secure, except for keeping the bottle on its side. I'm guessing that one could remove the foil and dip the tip of the bottle in melted wax to ensure an airtight seal if the bottle was going to be set aside for 20-30 years. The producers don't do this, and I saw bottles from the 1800's that were still looking good.
The one I'm enjoying immensely right now is a Colheita Port by Kopke matured in wood for 19 years. harvest: 1984, released in 2003 I was thinking of putting a few away for a bit longer. I have about 10 bottles. It's not a biggie if I have to drink it within the year or 2 :-) But it does have the plastic cap on a short cork and then covered with foil. I have been keeping them upright till now.
For a very good reason its a waste of time.
I haven't seen much cork problem with Ports under a half century old.
This is what I feared ...
No, just a joke. Fine wine, and probably one of the bottlings where extended ageing will not harm the product, it even might add complexity.
I guess standing upright will do the job quite well. This is what I would do, because these T-stoppers from time time (maybe at the rate of 1 out of 5) tend to leak. Afaik, this is also what the Portuguese do.
M.
Are we talking about classic plain corks or T-stoppers here? For the latter, leaking when laid down is not unfrequent.
M.
thank you Michael. That's what I feared that the seal of those T-stoppers is not really secure, that's why I have been keeping them upright so far. I will continue to do that and enjoy the Port while it lasts and won't hurry to drink it all ASAP. The Port is really great with Gorgonzola on a fresh baguette. Even my cat approved. Both for cheese and port :-) Zed
Wow!
Very good point! ;-)
M.
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