Q and A: Selecting wines for aging

June 27, 6:11 PMMiami Wine ExaminerAimee Youngs

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Question:

Hi there,

I’m interested in buying a bottle (or a few) of wine for aging.  I would ideally like to buy something with a 2009 vintage, and then save it for many years to open and drink later.  What I’m wondering is what to look for in selecting wines that would age well and then how to age them properly.  I know most wines are best within the first 3 years but I know some age well.

Thanks for your info!
-Allen

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Answer:

Hi Allen,

Thanks for your question.  Since I, like many of the younger generation, love immediate gratification, aging wines is a bit new to me too.  Fortunately, in my sommelier certification course I had the opportunity to try a few older wines that had reached their peak.  I now know that patience pays…

There certainly are many wines which will lose flavor and appeal if you hold onto them for too long.  Most whites, and very light and fruity reds such as Beaujolais Nouveau are at their best right now.  There is a small drinking window on these, usually 3 years or less, as you mentioned.

Just like people, wine too has its hey day.  If you drink it at the right time, you will be blessed with a heaven-sent experience.  Also remember that very few wines will improve much after 10 years, and they may even go downhill.  Every wine is different, but there are a few guidelines to follow when looking for a nice wine to lay down.

When seeking wines for aging, look for good quality, as well as wines with high flavor compounds (hello tannins).  These act as preservatives.  Many red varietals in it for the long haul include Cabs, Riojas, Ports, Zinfandels (red), Syrahs, and Bordeaux (red).

There are some whites which may stand up to the test of time, even though they lack tannins.  High acidity can also act as a preservative.  A good quality Chardonnay from a cool climate, or a White Bordeaux may have staying power.  Also, many Vintage Champagnes can become flavorful and delicious when aged 5-10 years.

It of course makes sense to save an expensive wine for its peak drinking time.  Drinking a wine too young can just be a waste of money.

Another important factor to consider is the vintage (year) of the wine.  Find out what type of weather was going on throughout the world’s wine making regions, and how grape crops may have been affected.  A good reference to check out the quality of vintages for regions and specific vineyards is Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book, 2009.

Although there is no surefire way to gauge when a wine will be at its best, with a little research, you can find some good wines that will make your future bright.  A suggestion I’ve heard over and again is to purchase a few bottles of the same wine, and open them progressively over time.  You will become more experienced at knowing how long to wait until it’s time to try the next bottle.

The best way to store your wine is always on its side, and at a cool temperature.  This depends on the varietal, but usually averages around 60°-65° F for reds, and 50°-55° F for whites.  Invest in a good wine refrigerator that is vibration-free.  This will keep your wine at the appropriate temperature.  Most South Florida homes don’t stay cool enough, even with the A/C blasting.  It’s also not a good thing to allow your wines to fluctuate in temperature.

Hope this information will lead you to some good wines for aging.  Let me know what you find, and stay patient.

Have a wine question, email me.