How do you best store Brunellos and Barolos until they are ready to drink?

The quality of a Brunello di Montalcino or a Barolo can improve dramatically with age. They are wines that are known for their potential to age beautifully. But reaching their full potential requires the right storage methods. Here are our top tips to ensure that you can store these special wines optimally and enjoy them to the fullest later on.

1. Choose a suitable storage location

The storage space plays a crucial role in preserving wines. An ideal space meets the following conditions:

• Temperature: The best temperature is stable between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. At this stable temperature, you can store the top wines for a long time.

• Small fluctuations are not directly a problem, provided that this happens very slowly. A slightly higher temperature is also not directly a problem, only the wine will develop somewhat faster and be ready to drink somewhat sooner. In addition, you can store the wines somewhat shorter than at a stable temperature between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius.

• Humidity: Maintain a humidity of around 65-75%. Too dry an environment can dry out the cork, while too humid an environment can cause mold to form.

• Darkness: Store your wines in a dark place, away from direct sunlight or artificial light. UV rays can damage the wine and negatively affect the maturation process.

• Vibration-free: Make sure the wines are in a vibration-free place. Vibrations can disrupt the maturation process and affect the structure of the wine.

2. Store lying down

Always store bottles with a cork stopper lying down. This keeps the cork moist and prevents air from entering the bottle, which can cause oxidation. For wines with a screw cap, storing upright is no problem, but this is rarely the case with Brunellos and Barolos.

3. Take into account the ideal ripening time

• Brunello di Montalcino: Most Brunellos are ready to drink after 10 to 15 years, but depending on the producer and the vintage, they can sometimes age for decades.

• Barolo: This “Wine of Kings” typically ages even more slowly. Many Barolos peak after 15 to 20 years, but top vintages can sometimes last 30 years or more.

Check the producer's advice or ask us for guidelines for specific wines in our range. With our wines you will also always find information about when the wine is "ready to drink".

4. Invest in a wine climate cabinet

If you don’t have access to a cellar or other suitable storage space, consider a wine cooler. This is a controlled environment where you can optimally regulate temperature, humidity and light. There are cabinets available in different sizes, so you can always find one that fits your collection.

5. Check regularly

Inspect your wines at least once a year. Check that the corks are still sealed and that there are no leaks. Also keep the labels dry and intact, because this can be important for the value of the wine if you want to sell it later.

6. Take notes

Keep a log of your wine collection. Note when you bought the wines, what vintage they are, and when you expect them to be at their best. This will help you track the aging process and open the right bottle at the right time.

7. Open with attention

When you finally decide to open a Brunello or Barolo, make sure to uncork the bottle carefully. Use a good corkscrew and decant the wine if necessary, so that it can breathe and fully develop its aromas. Or open the bottle at least 4 hours in advance and pour a small amount of wine into a glass. This is also a good time to check the quality of the wine. Leave the bottle open so that the wine can slowly open up.

Conclusion

With the right storage methods, you can enjoy the magic of Brunello and Barolo for years to come. Whether you are a wine lover who enjoys a glass at a special moment, or a collector who keeps precious bottles, good storage makes all the difference. Do you have questions about specific vintages or would you like to know which wines are ready to drink? Please feel free to contact us; we are happy to help you!