For The Love Of Port

The standard thinking for the storage of Madeira is upright; cork deterioration is a problem with horizontal storage.
What about for other fortified wines aged for long periods in cask; Tawny and Colheita Ports, Oloroso Sherries, Setubal, Rutherglen Australians?
How are you storing yours?
I don't have the room in my cellar for upright storage at the moment, but am refurbishing it to try to make room.

I'll let others get to the core of your question Eric. I do think that it is important whether the cork used is a T-stopper like some found on LBVs and Tawnies with an indication of age OR a true driven cork. This has a lot to do with the way a Port or any sticky (dessert) wine should be aged in the cellar.

Hi Eric,

In my opinion, the tawnies, which are ready for drinking when bottled, can be stored upright. There is no major problem if the cork is not humid, as they were submitted to a oxidation process while in cask.

Regarding the rubies, if they have a T-cap, as some LBV use to have, it is better to store upright to avoid leaking from the cork. But if the cork is a real good one, then it is much better lie down. Thus, the cork will be in contact with the wine, not drying and avoiding a fast oxidation.

This for Ports!

I have Garrafeiras from the 50's with T corks that were fine and store on their side. The capsule covering it, one would not know it was a T cork unless they already knew from previous bottles.

I have Garrafeiras from the 50's with T corks that were fine and store on their side. The capsule covering it, one would not know it was a T cork unless they already knew from previous bottles

Yes, sometimes it is difficult to know.