Red Wine Aging in Lake Leelanau, MI
How to Age Wine and Why It Makes a Difference
Wine comes in all varieties, each with its own merits. But some of the best bottles have been aged to perfection by professional winemakers. At Aurora Cellars, our wine selection features delectable, aged wines for all our Lake Leelanau, MI customers to enjoy. We’re often asked how the aging process works and why it makes such a big difference to the quality of a wine. In short, aging enhances flavors and ensures that each glass contains a stunning blend of ingredients. Learn more about the wine aging process and its benefits.
What Happens During the Aging Process?
Aging wine simply means letting it decompose over time. As a wine gets older, oxygen leaks into the bottle and begins breaking down organic matter in the wine. Oxidation occurs, and fruity flavors start to lose their freshness and take on a drier taste. If left to age for even longer, fruit wines will begin to have a flavor similar to caramel. Generally speaking, flavors become more integrated and less a collection of tastes and more an indistinguishable blend of ingredients. In the case of red wine, the texture softens as the tannins change and become less harsh to the taste.
How Aging Enhances Flavors
The top benefit of aged wines is an enhanced flavor. Aged white wines feature layered qualities that also have elements of baking spices, vanilla, and perfume. Some white wines develop nutty flavors after aging, and many wine connoisseurs describe the taste as akin to toasted almonds and honey. When it comes to red wines, aged bottles feature incredibly complex flavors that complement fine meals. Highly acidic red wines may retain a bright and tangy taste, while lighter bottles tend to have cranberry and fragrant notes. In any case, aging wines allows them to achieve their fullest flavor and ensures you get to enjoy the best bottle possible.
All Wines Age Differently
Every wine is different when it comes to aging. As a general example, red wine aging tends to take quite a bit longer than white wine. However, if you plan to age wine, it’s important to know just how long you should expect the process to take for a particular bottle. Here’s a general guide to wine aging times:
- A Few Months—Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc
- ~2 Years—Riesling, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
- ~3 Years—Chardonnay, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Riesling
- 1-4 Years—Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo, White Bordeaux
- 2-5 Years—Zinfandel, Merlot, other medium reds
- 2-7 Years—Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
- 2-10 Years—Cabernet Sauvignon, Blaufränkisch, Port, heavy red wines
Take Caution—Over-Aging Is Possible
Aging wine is more than just shutting bottles away and hoping they come out tasty and decadent. It is possible to over-age wine to the point of no return, so knowing how long to age is crucially important. Why? Aging wine involves lots of chemistry, no matter what type of red wine you’re working with. Think of aging as a bell curve—the potential for an exceptional glass increases until it reaches a peak, and then declines if left to age for too long. Keep tabs on how long your wine has been aging, so you get the most white and red wine benefits at the end of the process.
Your Source for Rich Aged Wines
Aurora Cellars in beautiful Lake Leelanau, MI is the ideal place to sample perfectly aged wines. Our tasting menu features some of the most luxurious white and red wines available today. In addition to introducing you to your new favorite wine, you may also enjoy delicious small plates that make an excellent complement to your bottle. Contact us today to book your wine tasting.
