In the world of wine, there is a common association between age and value, much like vintage jewelry and home decor. We often hear the adage, “It’s aging like a fine wine.” However, this belief is not entirely accurate. Not all wines age gracefully; in fact, very few do. Sam Tuttle, the wine director at Oak Park in Des Moines, Iowa, acknowledges this reality and explains that the ability for a wine to improve with age is rare.
Tuttle oversees a 7,000-bottle wine cellar, so he is well-versed in the art of aging wine. He explains that while some wines can improve over time, it is not the norm. Most organic matter tends to slow down and lose its appeal as it ages, and wine is no exception. So, what wines do age well? How can we determine the ideal time to drink or sell a wine we choose to age? And how should we store wine properly whether we plan to consume it next week or next decade?
James Couty, the food and beverage manager at Pendry Chicago and Chateau Carbide in Chicago, Illinois, confirms that only one bottle in every 100 available is meant to be saved for more than 12 months on average. While drinking cellared wine may be romanticized in movies and television, the reality is that 99% of wines are meant to be enjoyed within a year of purchase. Most wines are at their best when consumed young and fresh, showcasing their fruity and exciting qualities.
However, there are wines that are meant to age, but these are typically aged by the wineries themselves before being released. Producers invest time and effort into storing and overseeing these wines, so they often market them as age-worthy or old wines. According to Amy Mundwiler, the national wine director of Maple Hospitality Group, wineries won’t release a wine if it isn’t ready to be enjoyed. However, there are wines with recommended drinking windows that start a few years after their release, which collectors eagerly anticipate.
But what distinguishes an age-worthy wine from the rest? Tuttle suggests that price can be a good indicator, especially for beginners. Wines under $25 retail are unlikely to have much aging potential, while wines that are $100 or more are more likely to age well. However, it’s not solely about money. Some grapes and regions are known for producing age-worthy wines due to their structural elements. These include tannins, which can come from oak barrels or the grape skins red wines are fermented alongside. Wines rich in tannins tend to age better as they become rounder and more pleasant over time. Acidity is another crucial factor, as it helps preserve the wine and contributes to its longevity. Sweet wines with high sugar content can also age well.
Ultimately, wine aging is a complex and nuanced process. It requires a careful balance of structural elements and proper storage conditions. While the association between age and value exists in both vintage jewelry and wine, it’s important to remember that not all wines age gracefully. So, if you have a bottle in your wine collection that you’ve been saving for a special occasion, go ahead and uncork it. Enjoy it now, as the vast majority of wines are meant to be savored in their youthful state.
Making a Wine Cellar-Worthy: A Guide to Aging Wines
When it comes to aging wines, there are a few key factors to consider in order to make sure you have a bottle worthy of your wine cellar. According to Katherine Sturgill, a certified sommelier, the structure of the wine plays a crucial role in its aging potential. Wines with searing acid or astringent tannins tend to age well as they have time to mellow and integrate into the wine without losing their balance.
However, it’s not just the structure of the wine that determines its aging potential. The reputation of the region or producer, as well as the grape(s) used, also play a significant role. For those seeking age-worthy wines, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Piedmont, Tuscany, Rioja, Mosel, and Napa are known for producing wines that stand the test of time.
But even the most age-worthy grapes can be affected by extreme weather conditions. Mother Nature always plays a role in the aging process, which is why vintage knowledge is crucial when selecting wines to age. Great vintages usually lead to great ageability, so it’s essential to consider the weather conditions during the harvest when choosing a wine to cellar.
Determining the right time to drink a particular wine can be challenging, as it depends on various factors. Personal preference, weather conditions, the structural elements of the wine, and storage conditions all come into play. To get an idea of when to drink a specific wine, look for a “drink through” date on the producer’s website. If that information is not available, don’t hesitate to reach out to the producer for their recommendations.
As a general guideline, most white wines are at their prime within 5 years of bottling. Thin-skinned red grapes are best consumed within 5 to 7 years, while thicker-skinned red grapes can be enjoyed with 5 to 10 years of age. However, even the most cellar-worthy wines are not recommended to be aged beyond 20 years.
If you have multiple bottles of the same wine, consider tasting them at different stages of aging to understand how the wine evolves over time. This will help you determine your preferences and avoid aging the wine beyond its prime.
Ultimately, the decision of when to drink a wine comes down to personal taste. If you prefer fresh fruit flavors, it’s best to open the bottle sooner rather than later. And if you enjoy the bright bubbles of Champagne, it’s recommended to enjoy it while it’s younger.
If you’re looking to add age-worthy wines to your collection, it’s best to consult with your local wine shop. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on their expertise, increasing your chances of making a sound investment.
Finding that rare bottle that has aged beautifully for 50 years is the ultimate goal for many wine enthusiasts. While it may be challenging to come across such bottles, the joy of the hunt can be part of the experience. Lisa suggests buying a six-pack of a potential age-worthy wine so you can try it at different ages and determine its aging potential.
Finally, storing the wine properly is crucial to ensure it ages gracefully. Keep the wine in a cool, dark place away from vibrations and maintain a consistent temperature as close to 55 degrees F as possible. Investing in a wine fridge can provide the ideal storage conditions for aging wines.
In conclusion, aging wines is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. By understanding the structure of the wine, considering the reputation of the region and producer, taking into account vintage variations, and ensuring proper storage, you can create a wine cellar filled with bottles worthy of aging. So, start your collection, explore different bottles, and enjoy the journey of discovering the beauty of aged wines.
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