How To Age Wine
Ageing wine is the process of allowing wine to mature over time to enhance its flavour, aroma, and overall complexity. During ageing, chemical reactions involving acids, sugars, alcohols, and phenolic compounds evolve the wine's character. While not all wines benefit from long-term ageing, certain red and white varieties—like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Riesling—can develop greater depth, smoother tannins, and more nuanced bouquets. Time is an amazing thing in the world of wine. If you have the time to wait for these gems to develop and evolve, then here is how.
What Allows Wines to Age
Wines that age well typically possess a balanced combination of acidity, tannin, alcohol, and sugar, along with strong fruit concentration and complexity. High acidity helps preserve freshness over time, while firm tannins—especially in red wines—act as a natural preservative, softening and integrating with age. Moderate to high alcohol levels contribute to stability, and residual sugar can extend longevity in certain styles like dessert wines. Additionally, wines intended for ageing often come from high-quality grapes and are made with careful winemaking techniques that support long-term development.
The Conditions Needed
If you want wine to age nicely, it needs to be stored just right. Think cool and steady—around 13°C since heat or big temperature swings can ruin them. You’ll also want some humidity so the cork doesn’t dry out and let air get in. Keep the bottles out of direct light (especially sunlight), and if they’ve got corks, lay them on their sides to keep the corks from drying out. Also try to avoid any shaking or strong smells nearby—both can mess with the wine as it ages.
Some Good Ones to Start With
Mas De Daumas Gassac, Rouge, 2020
A prestigious red from Languedoc, often dubbed the "Lafite of the Languedoc." Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with rare varietals, it offers deep complexity, dark fruit, earthy notes, and vibrant acidity. Grown in limestone-rich soils with a cool microclimate, and made using natural, low-intervention methods, it’s built for longevity. With its structured tannins, aromatic depth, and proven ageing potential, the 2020 vintage is a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Beck-Hartweg Riesling Frankstein Grand Cru 2021
The Beck-Hartweg Riesling Frankstein Grand Cru 2021 is a standout expression of Alsace terroir, crafted by one of the region’s oldest family-run domaines, with winemaking roots tracing back to 1590. Located in Dambach-la-Ville, the Beck-Hartweg estate is known for its commitment to biodiversity and minimal intervention, allowing the character of the Frankstein Grand Cru vineyard—a granite-rich site with excellent drainage and sun exposure—to shine through. The 2021 vintage offers precise acidity, mineral tension, and layered citrus and floral notes, all hallmarks of a structured Riesling built for longevity. Its firm acid backbone, low pH, and balance of fruit and minerality make it an ideal candidate for cellaring, promising to evolve gracefully over the next decade or more.
Thierry Richoux, Irancy, 2019
Thierry Richoux’s 2019 Irancy is a standout red Burgundy from the increasingly respected Irancy appellation in northern Burgundy. Made entirely from Pinot Noir, it showcases Richoux’s dedication to traditional, organic viticulture and extended élevage, with the 2019 vintage aged several years before release. Irancy’s cool climate brings vibrant acidity and firm tannins, while the vintage’s concentration ensures structure for ageing. With its purity, minerality, and nuanced red fruit, this wine is well-suited for cellaring and will gain complexity and elegance over the next decade or more.
Santamaria, Barolo 'Capalot', 2019
This wine hails from the revered Capalot cru in La Morra, a subregion known for producing elegant, perfumed expressions of Barolo. Santamaria, a boutique producer focused on traditional winemaking methods and sustainable vineyard practices, crafts wines that reflect both terroir and time-honoured Piedmontese character. This particular vintage stands out for its firm tannic structure, vibrant acidity, and complex aromatic profile of rose petal, tar, and red cherry—hallmarks of classic Nebbiolo. Its depth, balance, and backbone make it an excellent candidate for long-term ageing, with the potential to evolve gracefully over 15–25 years, developing nuances of earth, tobacco, and dried fruit as it matures.
Patience is key when it comes to wine; those who can wait are greatly rewarded. Looking for something else to start your wine collection? Then have a look at our website.