Why Wine Needs To Be Stored And Aged

Why Wine Needs To Be Stored And Aged

Actually, only about 10% of the wine in the world needs to be aged, the rest is meant for immediate consumption. But there is a reason that 10% benefits from being aged properly in the climate controlled environment. The combination of acid, tannin, alcohol and fruit make wine the most intricate and complex of beverages.

Many wines are aged in oak which also impart certain characteristics to wine. When aged in the proper climate, these wines gain complexity in terms of aromas, flavors, texture and overall enjoyment like nothing else can. They also gain value as an investment as the wine auction industry is larger than ever. Even if you do not have any wines that are age worthy, keeping wine at the right serving temperature is extremely important in the overall enjoyment. There is nothing worse than drinking a wine that is too warm. So whether you are aging your wine, or just enjoying it as is, storing your wines in a climate controlled environment is the best way to enhance your overall experience.

What does ageing wine do?

The combination of acid, tannin, alcohol and fruit make wine the most intricate and complex of beverages. Many wines are aged in oak which also impart certain characteristics to wine. When aged in the proper climate, these wines gain complexity. Wine will often also gain value as it ages.

Tips on Building a Wine Cellar

If you are looking to build or update a wine cellar, you may be confused where to start. This helpful video covers the basic steps you should consider. For more information on wine cellars and accessories follow the link below.

From his first sips of wicker basket Chianti at his grandfather’s dinner table to a 1986 Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, Tilden knew that there was something magical about wine. He earned his Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Having been with Wine Enthusiast catalog since 2005, when he is not writing about wine he also runs the wine storage division and is head of W.E.’s in-house education program.