wine aging
Developing in bottles
Wine aging is the process of storing wine over time to develop complexity, soften tannins, and integrate flavors.
Most wines are meant to be drunk young, but certain reds and whites improve with years in bottle or barrel.
This Bordeaux needs another decade of aging.
Proper aging requires controlled temperature and humidity.
The verb form is age: We're aging this vintage in oak barrels.
- oak barrelsHardwood containers for spirits
- cellarsUnderground storage rooms
- temperature controlRegulating heat levels
- esterificationForming esters chemically
- glass bottlesHollow transparent containers
amphorae · fino · tannins · vintage · sherry · oxidation · enology · terroir · light exposure · air circulation · sedimentation · seasonal variation · years · racking · mellow · bouquet · tasting notes · finish
- slow processesevolution, continental drift, erosion, weathering, sedimentation
- Wine Chemistrytannins, acidity, phenols, sulfites, alcohol
- maturationripening, maturing, development, growth, puberty
- polyphenolstannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, phenolics, catechins