Upright Storage

[Catch 22]

My wife's cousin just recently bottled his first batch of homemade wine. For some unknown reason, he used tapered corks (put in the bottle by hand) instead of "real" corks put in by the cute little corking tool, so he pretty much has to keep the bottles stored upright or risk a mess. What is the recommended maximum time frame that bottles should be stored upright? Also, would the same time frame be appropriate for store-bought wine?

[Innkeeper]

A lot depends on the ullage (the space between the cork and the wine). The lesser the ullage the more the wine can stand upright. The greater the ullage the less the wine can stand upright. The reason is the trapped air in the greater ullage will dry the cork out quicker.

[Catch 22]

IK, <BR> Assuming ullage of approx. 1 inch between the wine and cork bottom, what I would call "normal", what would be a maximum upright storage time before deterioration may occur?

[winecollector]

One inch is a lot of air for homemade wine.... and depending on how many times it was racked.... and not knowing if the corks will provide a good seal.... I would say not to try to age any of it.... drink up and enjoy it while it lasts....

[Innkeeper]

Would fill the bottles right up to the top, so the cork forces a little wine out. Do this when filling half bottles for a day or two refrigerator storage.

[Catch 22]

Thanks for the input. I'll let him know.