While "old wine" is a general descriptive term, a wine made from grapes grown and harvested in a single specified year is called a vintage wine. These wines are often the ones intended for or capable of significant aging.
Understanding Vintage Wine
A vintage wine is distinguished by the year its grapes were picked. This specific year, known as the vintage year, is usually printed on the wine bottle label. The concept of vintage is crucial because it indicates the growing conditions of that particular year, which profoundly influence the wine's character and quality.
The Significance of Vintage
Not all vintage wines are designed to be aged, but many of the world's most highly regarded and age-worthy wines are indeed vintage wines. The decision to age a wine is based on its structure—tannins, acidity, and alcohol content—which allow it to evolve and improve over time.
Why Some Wines Are Aged
Aging wine allows its complex flavors and aromas to develop, soften harsh tannins, and integrate various components into a more harmonious whole. Wines that are suitable for aging typically possess:
- High Acidity: Acts as a preservative, maintaining freshness.
- Good Tannin Structure: Provides backbone and helps prevent oxidation.
- Sufficient Alcohol Content: Contributes to the wine's stability.
- Concentrated Flavors: Ensures the wine has enough substance to evolve.
Popular Age-Worthy Wine Types
Many types of wine are known for their aging potential. Here are some common examples:
| Wine Type | Common Regions/Varietals | Typical Aging Potential (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Wines | Bordeaux, Barolo, Brunello, | 10-50+ |
| Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo | ||
| White Wines | Riesling, Chardonnay (oaked), | 5-25+ |
| Chenin Blanc (sweet) | ||
| Fortified Wines | Port, Madeira, Sherry (Oloroso) | 20-100+ |
Note: Aging potential varies greatly based on producer, vintage quality, and storage conditions.
Distinguishing "Old Wine" from "Aged Wine"
It's important to differentiate between a wine that is simply "old" and one that has been "aged" gracefully.
- Old Wine: Can refer to any wine that has been kept for a significant period. However, if not suitable for aging, an old wine might have passed its peak and deteriorated.
- Aged Wine: Refers to a wine that has been intentionally stored and matured over time, typically a vintage wine, and has developed more desirable characteristics as a result of this process. It implies a positive evolution.
Ultimately, when a wine is referred to as "old" in a positive light, it is most often a vintage wine that has been cellared and allowed to mature to its full potential.
