How Long Should Wine Be Aged?
It is possible to enhance the taste of wine by aging it, or by keeping it for many years before opening. Tertiary notes are a whole new set of flavors that may be discovered when you do this, and they are really enjoyable!
Many collectors want to age their great wines, either to improve the value of the bottle or to simply enhance the taste of the wine it represents.
Learn more about how to age wine and which grape varietals are most suited for this method by reading the rest of this article!
Is There a Difference Between Aging Wine and Making Wine?
While most wines are delicious when consumed immediately, certain varieties may benefit from more bottle age. The aging of wine, as previously said, may frequently result in the development of more complex tastes.
With time, phenolic components – tannins, for example – lose their potency and begin to combine with other compounds in the wine.
The surface area of these compounds decreases as a result, which might result in a somewhat smoother taste in the finished product.
You’ll notice that the color of your bottle begins to change as it becomes older. During the aging process, the color of white wine may change from a light yellow to a darker amber color as it progresses through the phases. Red wine, on the other hand, is often a deeper brown in hue.
When it comes to wine, which kind is the best keeper.
It’s crucial to understand how each varietal of the wine matures, so you can identify the characteristics to look for when selecting a wine to keep in the cellar. Because acidity is lost throughout the aging process, acidic wines, for example, will stay longer.
You should also check for the following traits in a wine that you want to store for a long time:
The tannin content of red varietals should be well-balanced since this will result in a smoother flavor when the wine is allowed to develop over time. Choosing a wine that has a moderate quantity of tannins, such as Malbec, would be beneficial in this situation. Be aware, though, that white wines don’t absolutely need tannins in order to age well.
The presence of excessive sugar is a problem.
As a result of the residual sugar level in sweet wines, they may be matured for much longer periods of time than dry varietals. Consider the fact that wines such as Port, Riesling, and even Sherry are excellent candidates for long-term maturing.
To What Extent Should a Wine Be Aged
Compared to white wines, red wines are more forgiving when it comes to maturing. Certain varieties may be matured for as little as three to five years, while others can be stored for decades in a basement.
Some bottles have also been aged before they are even available for purchase in shops. Reserva, Riserva, and Gran Reserva are a few words to keep an eye out for while looking for a glass of aged wine.
Wines from white varietals may age for a year or more, similar to red wines. They can even age for decades. Keep in mind that bottles with greater amounts of acidity and sugar may be matured for a longer period of time than other bottles.
It is recommended to mature quality sparkling wines for one to two years after they have been produced using the conventional method champenoise.
Because of their high alcohol concentration, fortified wines provide an additional “layer” of protection against aging. Madeira and Sauternes are two varietals that may last for many decades in the right environment.
Wine Aging: How to Get Started
Before you begin cellaring your wine, there are a few important considerations to bear in mind. 1. In order to keep the majority of bottles fresh, they should be kept between 55 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit with around 75% humidity.
Investing in a climate-controlled wine cellar or refrigerator is the most straightforward approach to guarantee that your wines are preserved appropriately.
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