Mature wine

About Mature Wines

Table of contents

• General information about aged wines
• Popular grape varieties for mature wines
• Well-known growing areas for mature wines
• Maturation and production of mature wines
  • The storage
  • The maturation process
  • The expansion
• Character & taste of mature wines
• FAQ about aged wines

GENERAL INFORMATION ON AGED WINES

Mature wines are the result of patience, time, and optimal storage conditions. While young wines often impress with fresh fruit aromas and lively acidity, mature wines develop a complexity and depth over time that connoisseurs particularly appreciate. Aging can occur in the bottle or in barrel and imparts a distinctive spectrum of aromas, ranging from tobacco and leather to dried fruits and nutty notes. Whether a wine improves with age depends heavily on the grape variety, the vintage, and the storage conditions.

POPULAR GRAPE VARIETIES FOR AGED WINES

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Nebbiolo (Barolo)
• Pinot Noir (Burgundy)
• Tempranillo
• Sangiovese
• Syrah (Shiraz)
• Riesling
• Port wines (various varieties)

Well-known growing regions for mature wines

• Bordeaux
• Piedmont (Barolo)
• Burgundy
• Rioja
• Rheingau
• Tuscany

MATURATION AND PRODUCTION OF AGED WINES

STORAGE

Storage is crucial for wine maturation. Aged wines require consistent temperatures, appropriate humidity, and protection from direct light. In cool, dark cellars, the wine develops slowly and evenly, with its aromas refining and tannins softening. However, improper storage can lead to premature deterioration.

THE MATURATION PROCESS

During the aging process, the wine's structure changes. Fruit aromas fade into the background, while secondary and tertiary aromas gain prominence. These include notes of tobacco, leather, dried fruit, and sometimes earthy elements. The process varies greatly depending on the grape variety, vintage, and the storage techniques used.

THE EXPANSION

Mature wines are often aged in special barrels before bottling. Different types of wood, such as French or American oak, are used, which can impart different aromas to the wine. Furthermore, the wine can experience further aromatic development through contact with oxygen in the barrel.

CHARACTER & TASTE OF AGED WINES

Mature wines have a unique character, shaped by their long aging period. The freshness of youthful fruit gives way to more complex aromas such as dried fruit, nuts, leather, or tobacco. The wine often becomes more velvety, softer, and exhibits a more harmonious structure. Red wines such as Bordeaux, Barolo, or Rioja, in particular, develop impressive depth and complexity after many years in the cellar. However, not every wine is suitable for long aging—many white wines and light red wines should be enjoyed young.

FAQ ABOUT AGED WINES

What are aged wines?

Aged wines are wines that have been aged for an extended period of time to refine and enhance their aromas. These wines can age in both bottles and barrels.

When is wine ready to drink?

A wine is considered ready to drink when it has reached its optimal flavor and aroma profile. The timing varies depending on the wine, grape variety, and vintage. Some wines reach drinking maturity after just a few years, others take decades.

When is Barolo ready to drink?

Barolo, an Italian red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape variety, often requires 10 to 20 years to reach drinking maturity. Some of the best vintages can age even longer.

What age wine should you buy?

The choice of age depends on personal preference. Younger wines are fresher and fruitier, while older wines are more complex and layered. When purchasing aged wines, attention should be paid to storage conditions.

What does very old wine taste like?

Very old wines often develop notes of leather, tobacco, dried fruit, and spices. The fruit aromas become more subtle, while the texture of the wine becomes softer and more velvety.

Does wine get better with age?

Some wines improve with age, especially those designed for long aging. However, other wines are intended for immediate consumption and lose their freshness and character over time.

Is old wine valuable?

Old wine can have great value, especially if it comes from a renowned region or an outstanding vintage and has been stored under optimal conditions.

Which wine gets better with age?

Wines with high tannin and acidity, such as Bordeaux, Barolo, and Rioja, have the potential to improve over many years. Sweet wines such as port or Sauternes also often benefit from extended aging.

Does every wine get better with age?

No, not every wine improves with age. Lighter wines, especially many white wines, should be enjoyed young, while full-bodied red wines often benefit from aging.