How to Age Red Wine
Identify the strain of grape in your wine to determine the proper length of aging., Store red wine for aging. , Lay the wine bottles on their sides (a sturdy wine rack works best) in a wine cellar or basement in cool temperatures at a steady 55 to...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Identify the strain of grape in your wine to determine the proper length of aging.
Red Bordeaux: 5 to 20 years (fruity, oaky).
Cabernet Sauvignon: 5 to 15 years (mild to hearty).
Merlot: 2 to 8 years (mellow, compliant).
Barolo: 5 to 10 years (thick, complex, flowery).
Chianti: 0 to 7 years (strong, bold, fruity).
Pinot Noir: 0 to 5 years (more complex, less fruity).
Shiraz/Syrah: 5 to 12 years (peppery, berry/plum).
Sangiovese: 5 to 10 years (fruity, hefty).
Red Zinfandel: 5 to 10 years (fruity, spicy).
Vintage Port: 10 to 20 years or more (rich, sweet).
Red Rioja: 4 to 10 years (bold, berry taste). -
Step 2: Store red wine for aging.
, If you do not have a basement or cellar there are many specialized refrigeration units for wine on the market that will maintain your investment and do all the work for you.
Keeping the temperature at a constant is crucial to slowing down the aging process.
Extreme changes in the core temperatures will expand and contract the wine which will push or pull on the cork, resulting in oxygen entering, thus spoiling the wine.
Keep a digital air thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature. -
Step 3: Lay the wine bottles on their sides (a sturdy wine rack works best) in a wine cellar or basement in cool temperatures at a steady 55 to 65 degrees F (12.79 to 18.36 degrees C).
Detailed Guide
Red Bordeaux: 5 to 20 years (fruity, oaky).
Cabernet Sauvignon: 5 to 15 years (mild to hearty).
Merlot: 2 to 8 years (mellow, compliant).
Barolo: 5 to 10 years (thick, complex, flowery).
Chianti: 0 to 7 years (strong, bold, fruity).
Pinot Noir: 0 to 5 years (more complex, less fruity).
Shiraz/Syrah: 5 to 12 years (peppery, berry/plum).
Sangiovese: 5 to 10 years (fruity, hefty).
Red Zinfandel: 5 to 10 years (fruity, spicy).
Vintage Port: 10 to 20 years or more (rich, sweet).
Red Rioja: 4 to 10 years (bold, berry taste).
, If you do not have a basement or cellar there are many specialized refrigeration units for wine on the market that will maintain your investment and do all the work for you.
Keeping the temperature at a constant is crucial to slowing down the aging process.
Extreme changes in the core temperatures will expand and contract the wine which will push or pull on the cork, resulting in oxygen entering, thus spoiling the wine.
Keep a digital air thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature.
About the Author
Larry Burns
Writer and educator with a focus on practical creative arts knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: