Does All Red Wine Improve with Age?
The age-old question of whether all red wine improves with age has sparked much debate and controversy. While some premium red wines can indeed benefit from years of cellaring, the majority of red wines are not designed for aging and may turn to vinegar over time, even when stored under seemingly favorable conditions.
My Brother-in-Law's Experience
One such example is my brother-in-law's experience. He purchased four bottles of expensive French wine and stored them for several years. Unfortunately, when he decided to open them, the wines had spoiled and were ultimately discarded, having turned to vinegar. This incident serves as a stark reminder that not all wine is created equal when it comes to aging.
Ion and Often Misunderstood Reality
Despite popular belief, most wines do not improve with age. In fact, the vast majority of red wines available in stores today are not intended for aging. As a general rule, everyday red wines have a five-year lifespan. Only specific vintage wines, made from grape varieties high in tannin and/or acidity, and under ideal conditions, are suitable for aging.
General Guidelines and Exceptions
Most Red Wines Are Not Aged: Supermarket wines and cheaper wines are generally not intended for aging. Light and fruity reds are best consumed young, as they have a short window of freshness. On the other hand, darker and more tannic red wines often need aging to reach their full potential. For instance, red Burgundies from Bourgogne, which are fruity and designed to keep for a longer period, can be exceptions to this rule.
High-Quality Wines: Expensive red wines are often a safer bet for aging, but even these are not a guarantee of improvement. Proper storage conditions, such as a cool, constant temperature, and darkness, are crucial. While some wines can indeed improve with age, many will taste similar or even worse after just a decade.
What Happens During Aging?
Aging a wine does not necessarily categorically improve or worsen it. Key factors such as the fruitiness of the wine drop, decreasing markedly after just six weeks in the bottle. This is an important consideration for those who are thinking about storing their wine for future enjoyment.
The cost of storage can make aging less economically viable for inexpensive wines. However, it is still true that many varieties of wine do not benefit from age regardless of their quality. Some varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, can indeed improve with age, but these are the exception rather than the rule.
Conclusion
The process of aging wine is a complex one, and not all red wines improve with it. Understanding the nuances of red wine aging can help you make informed decisions about which wines to buy and store. Whether you're a novice or a veteran wine lover, it's essential to consider the specific characteristics of a wine to determine whether it's worth aging or better enjoyed in its youth.