Harden Elkington
Wine is an alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries and its taste can improve with age.
Aging wine enriches the flavor, intensity, and complexity of its aromas.
In this article, we will discuss the science behind why wine tastes better with age and how aging affects the quality of a bottle of wine.
We will also explore the best strategies for cellaring and storing your favorite bottles to ensure they age properly.
Lastly, we will look at how you can identify a wine that has been appropriately aged and is ready to drink. So, why does the wine taste better with age? Let’s find out!
The science behind aging wine?
Aging wine involves exposing the drink to oxygen and allowing its components to interact over time.
When aging, the chemicals in a bottle of wine break down into smaller molecules that give off more complexity, flavor, texture, and aroma.
The tannin content also decreases with age, resulting in smoother wines and less astringency on the palate.
Some experts even believe that the aging process can help balance out any negative aspects of wine, such as bitterness or acidity.
As time passes, the flavors and aromas in the bottle become more concentrated, creating a unique experience with each sip.
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How to age and store wine properly?
In order for a bottle of wine to age properly, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration.
Temperature and humidity control
Temperature and humidity play a key role in the aging process of wine.
Wine should be stored at a cool, consistent temperature between 45-65°F (7-18°C).
Excessive heat or cold can affect the flavor of the wine and cause it to age prematurely.
Humidity is also important, as too much humidity can result in spoilage, while too little can dry out the cork and cause it to shrink, allowing air into the bottle.
The ideal humidity level for cellaring wine is 70-75%.
Light exposure
The light exposure of a wine bottle can also affect its aging process.
Light breaks down the molecules in the wine, leading to an unpleasant flavor. To prevent this from happening, a dark and cool environment should be chosen for cellaring wine.
This could include the back of a closet or basement that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Positioning
When storing wine bottles, it is important to store them in the correct position.
Wine should be stored on its side so that the liquid is in contact with the cork, which helps to keep it moist.
This prevents air from entering the bottle and oxidizing the wine.
Additionally, storing bottles in racks or crates can help protect them from being knocked over and damaged.
What are the benefits of aging wine?
There are several benefits to aging wine, including:
Improved taste and texture
Aging wine gives it time to develop its complexity, allowing for different layers of flavor and texture.
As the molecules in the bottle break down and interact over time, more depth is added to the taste and aroma. This makes a glass of aged wine enjoyable to savor, as each sip reveals something new.
Smoothed out tannins
The tannin content in wine diminishes with age, resulting in a smoother and less astringent flavor on the palate.
Tannins are responsible for the bitterness and dryness that can be found in some wines. As they decrease during aging, this means that harsher notes become more subtle and palatable.
Balanced acidity
Acidity is essential for providing balance in a bottle of wine, but too much can make it taste tart or sour.
As wine ages, its acidity becomes more balanced, resulting in an enjoyable flavor that is neither too sweet nor too acidic.
This is especially beneficial for wines that are high in acidity, as the aging process can help to mellow it out.
Increased complexity and depth
With age, a bottle of wine will acquire more layers of flavor and aroma.
The molecules within the bottle break down and interact over time, creating a complex and interesting tasting experience.
This can result in notes of fruit, spices, earthiness, and more that work together to create an intriguing depth of flavor.
Improved appearance
As a bottle of wine ages, its color will darken, and the sediment within it will settle, giving it a more attractive appearance.
Aging also brings out the clarity of the liquid, resulting in a wine that looks polished and inviting to drink.
What are the different types of wine that benefit from aging?
Not all wines are created equal, and some benefit more from aging than others.
Here are some of the common types of wine that age well:
• Red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
• White wines, such as Chardonnay and Riesling
• Sparkling wines, such as Champagne or Prosecco
• Fortified wines, such as Port or Sherry
• Dessert wines, such as Late Harvest or Icewine
These are the most commonly aged wines, but there are also other varieties that can benefit from aging.
As a general rule of thumb, full-bodied reds and whites with high tannins and acidity tend to age better than fruity or light-bodied wines.
How to identify a wine that’s ready to drink?
In order to determine if a bottle of wine is ready to drink, there are certain factors that should be taken into consideration.
Vintage
A wine that has been aged for the recommended amount of time will usually have a vintage printed on its label. This indicates when the grapes were harvested and can be used to determine if the wine is ready to drink or not.
Aroma/taste
An easy way to tell if a wine is ready to drink is by smelling and tasting it.
A wine that has aged too long will have a heavily oxidized aroma and taste, whereas one that is ready to drink should exhibit balanced aromas and flavors without any hints of oxidation.
Color
The color of a bottle of wine can give an indication of how well it has aged. Red wines typically darken with age, while white wines may become lighter or slightly golden.
Sediment
The presence of sediment in the bottle is also a good indicator of aging.
Wines that have been aged longer often have more sediment in them, which can be seen as a fine layer on the bottom of the bottle.
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Final words
As we have discussed, aging wine can bring various benefits.
It can soften tannins and acidity, create complex flavor profiles and aromas, improve clarity and appearance, and increase its overall value.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right bottle for aging in order to enjoy all that it has to offer.
The impact of aging on wine flavor and quality can be significant, so it’s essential to take the time to learn more about aging and how it can affect your favorite bottles of wine.
With a bit of research and patience, you can find that perfect bottle that will reward you with an incredible drinking experience.
To ensure that you select a wine that will benefit from aging, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various grape varieties and the ideal aging times for each.
Generally, full-bodied reds and whites with high tannins and acidity tend to age better than fruity or light-bodied wines.
