How Wine Ages
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Most wine is made to be enjoyed within a year or two. Only a small share truly improves with age. As it ages, fruit softens, tannins mellow and new tertiary aromas appear: leather, earth, dried fruit, honey and nuts.
Acidity
Keeps wine fresh as it ages. High-acid whites like Chenin and Semillon age well.
Tannin
Acts as a preservative. Firm reds like Cabernet can age for decades.
Sugar
Sweet wines like Noble Late Harvest and Vin de Constance can last a lifetime.
Concentration
Wines need enough fruit to outlast the tannin.
⚠️ Watch out
Ageing can’t fix a thin or unbalanced wine. If it isn’t good when young, time rarely helps.
🧠 Quick check: tap to reveal
🤔 Name three things that help a wine age.
Acidity, tannin and sugar (plus concentration of fruit).
🤔 Does most wine improve with age?
No. Most is made to drink within a year or two.
Next up: Storing wine the right way