Will Aging Wine Affect the Taste?
Sometimes you will visit a wine shop and notice that there are many different wines which were corked 5 or so ago. Normally, in front of a bottle like this, you will also see a higher price tag. This happens at many of the places to buy wine in Paris and it is also a common worldwide phenomenon.
However, does it really matter how long your wine is tasted? When you consider the fact that most simply want their bottles to be delightful for consumption, the amount of aging should only matter if it helps create a wonderful product. On this page, we will break down what you need to know about this topic.
Short Answer:
There is a clear difference in the flavors of certain wines when they are aged. However, this isn't necessarily true for all the different types of wine. In fact, this is a topic which science is still yet to fully catch up with. Many of the best ones to age are reds. This topic one the first things which become apparent as you learn how to become a tasting expert and sample various different types of products.
Parisian Wines & Tastings
One of the best places to experience the difference in older and brand new wine is in France. Since this is a product well intertwined with the culture, many people go there to learn about how tastings work and try one for themselves. In fact, visiting Paris is a great place to get introduced to the various different wines in general.
To experience the full extent of an event like this and begin comparing the older and newer products, you will first need to select the right place to go. It might be best to first learn how much wine tastings cost, and then make your own plan from there.
If you are interested, make sure to ask questions so that they can arrange precisely what you will love and enjoy. Many of the best local food options such as cheese are often carefully paired together granting you a luxurious drinking experience blended with wonderful food.
Basics Behind the Flavor Difference
The history of producing wines this way dates back all the way to ancient times. There is evidence that there were many doing this all way back to the time of the Greeks and Romans. Since then, we have come a long way in creating a wonderful, yet old glass of wine.
To understand the differences between wines which were bottled years ago and those only recently requires that you know a little bit more how the product is made. The age of the product and how it relates to the quality of the product that you drink can easily be learned. Here are the main ingredients which contribute to an old but tasty bottle of wine.
Grapes
As you likely know, fermented grapes are lead to the product we know as wine. Although this is a common main ingredient, it can also be made with other products such as cranberries, coconuts, elderberries, bananas, among others.
Regardless, the wines made from grapes are the most popular variation and from where it receives the most recognition around the world. They are typically mixed with sugar, water, and other add-ins. Yeast is an important chemical which allows the alcohol to be produced.
Protectants
For an organic product to last a long time, it needs to have protection from spoiling. Since the organic ingredients might otherwise rot and decay in a bottle over time, chemicals such as potassium sorbate and potassium metabisulfite, and others are added to prevent this from happening.
Without the protection of ingredients such as these, you would end up drinking tiny microorganisms and even get sick if you let your bottles sit for a long period of time. Since we have become much more advanced in preventing this and can even make vinegar or other sauces with bad bottles, we can confidently store many of our favorite products for a long time.
Tannins & Acids Balance
This is the ingredient which directly correlates with the level of utility you receive from the end-product. In the end, the level of tannins and acids will determine whether a product is a great candidate for long-term storage.
Usually, this also means that reds are prime candidates since they typically have a lot of tannins and acids. However, various white wines can also be aged. Savennières and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are a couple whites that can be stored well.
Good For Some Wines, Bad for Others
Although some products are great candidates for long-term storage, not all wines are created equal. This means that you should think twice about stowing away any type of wine that you get. As we briefly mentioned above, the best ones to store are typically reds, but this depends on the level of tannins and acids in the product.
If you ask the store operator or a sommelier, they will typically be able to tell you which products are best stowed away and which ones you can start consuming today. For best results in learning about the types which are best reserved for storage and immediate consumption, try many different types.
Storage Techniques
When seeking a place for long-term storage, it is important that you account for three factors which are most prominent for your success. The light, humidity, and temperature, should all be carefully accounted for.
Light
For best results, do not store in a place with direct light. This can help create problems down the line. White wines are especially vulnerable to problems here.
Humidity
This is necessary for ensuring that the cork doesn't dry and compromise the seal of the product. A special refrigerator is especially nice for ensuring this factor's stability.
Temperature
It is recommended that you keep your products at a temperature which is right around or below the comfortable room temperature. Excessive exposure to high temperatures can potentially injure the process.
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