Do Scratched Wine Labels Matter?

Does this sound familiar to all you collectors out there? You have your bottles resting peacefully in a storage facility, or maybe a home wine cellar. You go to pull out a 20-year-old Grand Cru Burgundy, and because that bottle is just a little bigger than the shelf or wine rack allows, it skims the bottom part of the shelf and leaves just enough of a scratch on the label that makes you want to rip your hair out.

While, of course, the bottle’s contents remain unaffected, the label carries critical information about the wine’s origin, vintage and authenticity and is part of the beauty of the entire wine package. This becomes especially important for fine and rare wines, where every detail adds to their allure, and ultimately, their monetary value.

How Labels Get Scratched

The most common way that a wine label can experience a scratch or scuff is when it is being placed, or removed, from the cellar. 

Wine bottles that are stored in tight, ill-fitting or overcrowded racks are prone to friction when they are pulled out or placed back, leading to scratched or damaged labels. 

Additionally, some wine refrigerators with improper spacing or sharp-edged shelves can wreak the most havoc on those collectible labels. As can shelves with no padding to cushion the bottle, which can cause labels to wear away over time.

Another culprit leading to scratched labels can be bulk storage, or stacking bottles against one another. That friction can quite easily cause scuffing, tears or scratches. 

When bottles are stacked too closely or on top of each other, the labels are often the innocent victim. 

Additionally, cellars with high humidity levels (above 80%), inadequate air circulation or significant fluctuating temperatures may also cause the label adhesive to become ineffective, causing peeling or fading over time. 

Again, the juice inside the bottle is probably just fine, but if you are displaying some of these prized wines, or even worse planning on selling them, this can be quite unsettling and affect the perceived value of those bottles.

Why Scratched Labels Matter for Collectors

When it comes to collecting wine, the label serves as the bottle’s “book cover.” A scratched or damaged label reduces the bottle’s aesthetic appeal, which is crucial when the wine is being resold or appraised. While a slightly damaged wine label may impart even the slightest bit of doubt for a potential buyer, a pristine label helps assure buyers that the wine has been properly stored and cared for during its life journey.

And for wines with significant investment potential, even a small imperfection can substantially reduce the market value. The most expensive and collectible of wines, such as the First Growth Grand Cru Classe Bordeaux, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Burgundies or the most exclusive of Napa Valley Cabernets, are often bought and sold as collector’s items, where pristine packaging plays a large role in setting the market price. 

When a label is compromised, it can cause the value of the wine to drop considerably.

“The most common condition issues we encounter involve nicks and scratches on labels, often caused by collectors frequently removing and replacing bottles in racks, particularly metal ones,” says Chris Zago, advisory director of UOVO Wines, one of largest providers of off-site storage for premium wine collectors. “Interestingly, I have seen bottles that appear quite damaged yet possess perfect fill, color and details. In such cases, collectors may receive 10-15% less at sale, while buyers benefit from acquiring wines they wish to enjoy at a lower cost.”

And then there are the collectors that have no interest in selling their prized wines, but have the utmost pride in their collection and enjoy displaying every label they own. Wine labels are often considered works of art, with intricate designs and sometimes are designed by some of the most famous artists in the world (such as the labels for Chateau Mouton Rothschild). Protecting these labels, therefore, becomes a top priority.

Wine Cellars That Prevent Scratched Labels

Thankfully, there are wine storage solutions designed specifically with the protection of wine labels in mind. 

Investing in a well-constructed wine cellar or racking system with proper spacing for all the various size 750 ml bottles can go a long way in preventing scratched or damaged labels. Think about it, just because an individual wine rack can comfortably fit your Bordeaux bottles, does that necessarily mean that an oversized Pinot or Syrah bottle will fit in the same space without making contact with the rack itself?

Two standout products that are designed to hold ALL size bottles without scratching the labels are the VinoView Wine Cellar and the EuroCave Wine Cellar, both of which are designed with label protection as a key feature.

Known for its label-forward design, the VinoView wine cellar allows you to store your bottles in a way that displays every label in your collection clearly without compromising their condition. The layout ensures that each bottle has ample space, preventing unnecessary contact between bottles, while the overall design maximizes both storage capacity and visual appeal. 

VinoView cellars also create an optimal storage environment to prevent label wear caused by excessive humidity or temperature fluctuations. And the stunning side panel lighting accentuates every bottle in your collection for a full showcase display feature.

Known as the “gold standard” of wine storage, the EuroCave wine cellar combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology to offer the best protection for your wine collection. The cellar’s MDS shelving system is engineered to gently cradle bottles without applying pressure to the labels, preventing scratches and other damage. 

EuroCave’s wine racks are also fully adjustable, allowing collectors to adjust the spacing and layout based on bottle sizes and specific needs. These units also maintain precise climate control, allowing for the long term storage conditions that collectors’ desire for their finest collectible bottles.

Both of these options are perfect for collectors who wish to showcase their collection without risking damage to their investment.

Does a Scratched or Torn Label Affect the Wine?

Chances are… no. Unless it was due to humidity and/or temperature issues that faded the label itself. However scratched or damaged labels can significantly reduce the worth and appeal of even the finest wines. Which is why investing in a quality wine cellar solution is the most secure way to protect both your wines and their labels. 

Let’s face it, if you had the most expensive jewels in the world that you were planning on safeguarding, wouldn’t you store them in the best safe possible?

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Published: October 10, 2024