{"id":190235,"date":"2025-07-17T03:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sunset.com\/?p=190235"},"modified":"2025-07-22T10:37:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:37:56","slug":"how-long-to-age-wine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sunset.com\/food-wine\/wine-pairings\/how-long-to-age-wine","title":{"rendered":"How Long Should You Age Your Wine For? Here’s What the Pros Say"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a reason why people say the best things in life age like fine wine. We know, waiting to uncork<\/a> that buttery Chardonnay or juicy Zinfandel might require unparalleled patience. But if you give most varietals a few years to grow up, they\u2019ll come into their own and show you all the best parts of their personalities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt allows the wine to evolve beyond its primary fruit flavors and structure,\u201d says Maggie Kruse, Winemaker at Jordan Vineyard & Winery<\/a> in Healdsburg, California. \u201cA well-crafted wine continues to develop over time and its personality evolves in a way that leads to more expression, increased aromatic complexity, and softer textures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, unless you\u2019re a certified sommelier<\/a>, aging wine can kind of feel like a major guessing game. Well, until now that is. While industry insiders agree wine has no strict expiration date, they\u2019re sharing their pointers for aging vino like a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a> <\/span>\"Red<\/div>

AsiaVision\/Getty Images<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n

Prioritize Tannins and Acidity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs wine consumers, we often see wine through a \u2018drink now\u2019 lens,\u201d explains Sam Bogue, beverage director of Flour + Water Hospitality<\/a> in San Francisco. \u201cWhile many wines are made for this ‘pop and pour’ market, a wide range will benefit from time in bottle.\u201d Plenty of varietals have aging potential, but wines with tannins and higher acidity will taste even better over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tannin, which is most prominent in red wine<\/a>, is a naturally occurring compound called a polyphenol that creates a drying or puckering sensation in the mouth. In general, aging brings more harmony and some softer edges to red wines. \u201cOver the first couple of years in bottle, flavors become more integrated or interwoven rather than standing apart distinctly,\u201d explains Tim Bell, director of winemaking at Dry Creek Vineyard<\/a> in Healdsburg. \u201cTannins can soften, making a wine rounder or velvety.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t discount acid, either. \u201cMuch like lemon juice keeps an avocado from browning, acidity helps protect wine over time,\u201d Bogue explains. Not sure how to suss out a bottle with high tannins or high acid? Bogue recommends varietals like Nebbiolo from Barolo, red Bordeaux blends, or white Burgundy. For something more local, Bell is partial to aging Zinfandels and Cabernets.<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a> <\/span>\"Pouring<\/div>

Instants\/Getty Images<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n

Go for the Long-Haul with Reds\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, how long should<\/em> you age your wine? \u201cThere\u2019s no one-size-fits-all answer,\u201d Bogue admits.  \u201cGrape variety, terroir, and winemaking style all influence aging potential.\u201d That said, he says, red wines tend to age the longest because of their tannins, which act as a natural antioxidant. While most reds will age nicely over five to seven years, you might see others holding up decades later. Meanwhile, whites<\/a> tend to improve over two to four years. \u201cRos\u00e9, contrary to popular belief, can also evolve nicely in some cases for a few years,\u201d he adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the aging time frame spans over years<\/em>, there\u2019s plenty of room for error. Whether you\u2019re buying bottles<\/a> from a delicious tasting or perusing your local shop, you can always ask a professional for their advice. However, if you want to understand the aging process first hand\u2014and have the budget and storage space\u2014Kruse recommends buying a few bottles of your favorite varietal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOpen the first bottle right away, take detailed notes, and reflect on what you enjoy\u2014or don\u2019t enjoy,\u201d she explains. \u201cThen, open a new bottle every few years, continuing to observe how the wine evolves over time. This hands-on experience is one of the most rewarding ways to discover your ideal wine maturity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a> <\/span>\"Wine<\/div>

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Don\u2019t Skimp on Proper Storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of storage? In order for your wines to age well, they must be placed in a cool, dark place. Bell says a temperature-controlled environment that holds the wine at a steady 58 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, but there are plenty of suitable spaces in your home. \u201cA cool cellar under your house or a cool basement can work well,\u201d he explains. \u201cA closet in the coolest part of your house or apartment can also work, especially if you keep the wine in a box to prevent light exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kruse also recommends placing your bottles somewhere with consistent humidity. \u201cThis helps keep the corks from drying and shrinking, which in turn protects the wine from oxidation by maintaining a tight seal,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another tip: Never, ever store your wine bottles upright. \u201c[They] should always be stored on their sides, so the wine stays in contact with the cork,\u201d Kruse adds. \u201cThis helps create a liquid seal, preventing the cork from drying out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/a> <\/span>\"White<\/div>

Maria Korneeva\/Getty Images<\/p><\/figure>\n\n\n

Watch out for Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drinking your wine too soon means your bottle won\u2019t live up to its fullest potential. At the same time, over-aging your varietal means you\u2019ll be sipping on spoiled wine. While you won\u2019t fully<\/em> know whether your vino is too young, too old, or just right until you taste it, there are a few cues that might clue you in on its maturity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For starters, keep a close eye on the closure\u2014and look for wine seeping from the end of the cork. \u201cIt indicates an improper seal,\u201d says Bell. \u201cIt might be best to open that wine sooner rather than later, as the cork may be letting in more air than is ideal.\u201d Seepage can also mean the cork is dried out, which will compromise the wine. Though rare, Bell says a cork that appears to be \u201cpushed out of the bottle\u201d might be a sign that your wine is stored in a climate that\u2019s too warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Bogue recommends checking the contents of your bottle. \u201cIf you see a significant gap between the wine level and the cork\u2014known as \u2018ullage\u2019\u2014it could indicate poor storage and potential oxidation,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Color is another great indicator that your wine is ready to drink. \u201cIf you are aging white wines in clear glass bottles, you can see if the color is getting darker and more golden, which is a sign the wine is mature,\u201d Bell notes. \u201cWith reds, it\u2019s harder to see color changes unless you pour yourself a glass. You will see the color getting redder, even turning a \u2018brick red\u2019 color, and becoming lighter or less saturated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the 2024 Wine Issue Right Here!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n