Prosecco is a popular Italian sparkling wine that has gained fame worldwide in recent years. With its light, vibrant taste and affordability compared to Champagne, Prosecco has become a go-to sparkling wine for celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
But there is some debate over the proper way to store Prosecco bottles. Should they be kept upright, or does it not matter? There are good arguments on both sides of this question.
Key Points
- Storing Prosecco upright keeps the cork moist and seals in bubbles.
- Lying Prosecco bottles on their side maximizes wine contact with the cork to prevent shrinking.
- Ultimately, how long Prosecco is stored makes more difference than bottle orientation.
- Only short-term storage (1-2 months) requires keeping Prosecco upright.
- For longer storage, either upright or sideways work but sideways may be better.
The Case for Storing Prosecco Upright
The main argument in favor of keeping Prosecco bottles upright is that this prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking. Prosecco corks are not quite as long as Champagne corks, so they have less margin for shrinkage before losing their seal.
Over time, especially if stored upright with the cork exposed to dry air, the cork can become contracted and lose its snug contact with the bottle neck. This can potentially allow carbonation to be lost as CO2 gas escapes.
Storing Prosecco horizontally with the cork kept moist by contact with wine prevents shrinkage and seals in those important bubbles that provide the liveliness that makes Prosecco special. So if optimizing bubble retention is the priority, upright is best.
Keeping Corks Moist to Maintain Seal
The cork of a Prosecco bottle is meant to form an airtight seal with the glass bottle neck to prevent oxygen from entering and CO2 from exiting. This seal relies on the cork swelling up to conform to the contours of the glass.
If the cork shrinks even a small amount from drying out, gaps can form along the edges allowing gas exchange. Keeping the cork moist and expanded by contact with wine is a failsafe way to protect the seal. Storing upright submerges the bottom of the cork fully in wine.
Minimizing Oxidation from Air Exposure
Another advantage of upright storage is reducing the cork’s exposure to oxygen. A dry cork will allow more air to seep in slowly over time. Oxygen can gradually degrade wine quality through oxidation and interaction with compounds in the wine.
Storing Prosecco upright limits the cork’s air surface to just the top end, minimizing potential oxidation. This preserves the wine’s freshness longer.
Why Storing Prosecco on its Side Could Work
Although keeping Prosecco upright has benefits for maintaining bubble effervescence, horizontal storage may also be fine. This gives the advantage of keeping the cork hydrated plus maximizing contact of wine with the cork.
Greater Wine Contact Prevents Cork Shrinkage
When a Prosecco bottle lies on its side, the wine covers the entire inner length of the cork, from top to bottom. This ensures that no part of the cork can dry out and shrink.
Full cork contact with wine may create an even tighter seal than just moistening the bottom portion when upright. The cork may expand more giving a tighter fit when the whole cork is interacting with the liquid.
Less Oxidation Risk with Full Liquid Contact
In addition to maintaining cork hydration and seal, having wine coat the entire cork surface area may limit oxidation. Any oxygen seeping through the cork has to pass through more wine before reaching the main volume of wine.
Wine contains antioxidants such as polyphenols that can neutralize small amounts of oxygen. So the extra wine lining the cork acts as an antioxidant buffer to prevent oxidation of the main wine mass.
Potential Gas Diffusion with an Air Gap
Storing Prosecco bottles upright leaves an air gap at the upper part of the bottle neck. While this limits air exposure of the cork, it creates a risk of CO2 gas diffusion.
Gases like to diffuse from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration. The CO2 concentration is higher in the wine than the air gap, so gas could potentially diffuse out through the cork into the air space.
Keeping the bottle horizontal eliminates the air gap so gas diffusion only occurs at the wine surface, which has a lower impact on retention of bubbles.
How Long Is Prosecco Stored For?
Whether upright or horizontal storage is better for Prosecco depends largely on the intended storage duration. For very short term keeping of Prosecco, upright is recommended. But for longer storage, sideways orientation may work equally well or better.
Upright for Short-Term Storage
If Prosecco is going to be consumed fairly quickly, within 1-2 months of purchase, the best approach is to store bottles upright. This minimizes bubble loss and preservation is less of a factor.
For wine that will be drunk soon, retaining peak effervescence is a priority. So keeping the cork moist and bottle sealed by upright orientation makes sense for Prosecco meant for quick consumption.
Sideways Benefits Long-Term Storage
For Prosecco that will be cellared for more extended periods, sideways storage can keep the wine in good condition. The emphasis shifts from keeping bubbles lively to slower benefits like gentle oxygen exposure.
Over 6-12 months, extra micro-oxygenation through the cork may enable subtle flavor development while horizontal orientation prevent cork shrinkage.
So while upright storage is best for short-term peak freshness, long-term aging potential may be better sideways.
Tips for Storing Prosecco
To get the most out of bottles of Prosecco, here are some best practices to follow for storage:
- Keep Prosecco upright if consuming within 1-2 months.
- Store Prosecco sideways if aging more than 3-6 months.
- Always keep Prosecco bottles cool, between 45-65°F.
- Choose a dark, vibration-free location to minimize light and movement.
- Consider using a wine refrigerator if storage space temperature or light is difficult to control.
- Once open, drink Prosecco within 2-3 days to preserve carbonation.
Optimal Temperature Conditions
Prosecco should be stored at cool cellar-like temperatures, ideally between 45-65°F. Excessive heat can speed up detrimental chemical reactions.
A wine fridge or cellar is ideal but simply keeping bottles away from heat sources in a basement or back of a closet works too. Consistent coolness preserves quality.
Avoid Vibrations
Vibrations from appliances, doors slamming or people walking can disturb sediment in Prosecco, making it appear cloudy. Gentle handling prevents this.
Choose a storage spot away from vibration sources. Placing bottles in wine shippers or wrapping them in bubble wrap reduces vibration impact.
Keep Away From Light
Light exposure can degrade Prosecco’s flavors and aromas over time. Store bottles in darker areas or use opaque storage boxes.
If options are limited, at least keep Prosecco away from direct sunlight which contains more damaging UV rays.
Use Wine Refrigerator if Needed
For optimal storage conditions, using a wine refrigerator provides an easy solution. The units allow adjusting and maintaining ideal temperature and humidity.
They also keep Prosecco protected in darkness and some have vibration dampening. For serious Prosecco aficionados, a fridge investment may be worthwhile.
Finish Open Bottles Quickly
Once opened, Prosecco oxidizes quickly and loses bubbles due to release of CO2. Drink within 2-3 days and use a sparkling wine stopper to contain remaining gas.
Never store open Prosecco upright as the air will accelerate oxidation. Keep leftover portions horizontal with a tight seal.
Key Considerations by Storage Duration
Here is a summary of recommended storage approaches based on the intended drinking window:
| Timeframe | Best Method | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | Upright | Preserve bubbles |
| 1-2 months | Upright | Maintain freshness |
| 3-6 months | Sideways or Upright | Cork protection starts to matter |
| 6-12 months | Sideways | Oxidation management |
| 1+ years | Sideways | Aging potential |
So the ideal orientation shifts from upright to sideways as the planned storage duration increases from a few weeks to many months or over a year.
Special Considerations for Very Long Storage
While most Prosecco is intended for drinking within a several years of production, some unique bottles may be cellared for a decade or longer. In these special cases, extra storage care is advised.
Consistent Temperature & Humidity
Buying a climate-controlled wine fridge becomes very worthwhile for high value Prosecco being kept over many years. Keeping humidity around 70% prevents cork drying.
Raised Cork Position
Some wine collectors keep very old bottles with fragile corks stored at a slight angle, not fully horizontal. This keeps the cork moist while taking pressure off its upper surface.
Using Cork Preservatives
For very long aging potential, applying a cork sealant can add an extra preservation layer. The coating seals pores and provides a gas barrier.
Parsaffin wax and food-grade silicone sprays are products designed to prolong cork life for decades.
Consider Professional Storage
Risk of cork failure increases over decades, so professional storage at a dedicated wine facility may be a wise investment for precious old Prosecco.
Reputable wine cellars have ideal conditions and workers trained in long-term storage best practices.
How Bottle Orientation Affects Other Sparkling Wines
The storage guidance for Prosecco also applies to other sparkling wines like Cava, Franciacorta, etc. Here are effects by wine type:
Champagne
Like Prosecco, Champagne benefits from upright storage for short-term aging up to a few months. The longer corks provide more protection.
Cava
Corks shrink faster in lower humidity, so Spanish Cava should be kept horizontally in all but very short storage situations.
Cremant
Cremant sparkling wines can be stored upright or sideways like Prosecco. Their richer flavor profiles benefit from gradual oxidation.
Franciacorta
Prestige Italian Franciacorta uses thicker corks that resist shrinking. Brief upright storage preserves freshness before horizontal aging.
Sparkling Wines with Screw Caps
Bubbly wines with screw cap closures can be stored upright or sideways since there is no cork issue. Just keep cool and away from light/vibration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some stores keep Prosecco sideways?
Retailers often store Prosecco horizontally so customers can easily read the labels. Also, high inventory turnover means long-term preservation is not a priority.
Does sideways storage soak the cork?
Yes, when a bottle lies on its side all surfaces of the cork remain immersed in wine. A soaked cork maintains a tight seal.
Should opened Prosecco go in the fridge?
Refrigerating opened Prosecco is recommended to make it cold for serving and slow CO2 loss. Just keep the bottle upright to minimize air exposure.
Can storing Prosecco on its side flatten bubbles?
No, horizontal orientation does not cause bubble loss itself. Over long periods it may potentially speed diffusion of CO2 but this is a minimal concern.
Is a wine fridge worth it for Prosecco?
A refrigerator provides ideal storage conditions. For collectors or Prosecco connoisseurs it can be a smart investment, but simpler options work too.
Conclusion
In summary, upright storage is best for short-term aging of Prosecco, while horizontal storage offers advantages for extended preservation. Storing Prosecco bottles on their side may maximize long-term cellaring potential and prevent cork issues.
Ultimately, keeping bottles cool, dark, and vibration-free is most vital. But following the guidelines here on orientation can help unlock Prosecco’s full enjoyment whether consumed right away or years down the road.
