Wine is a highly complex product, requiring long and gentle
development and needs specific conditions in which to reach its
full potential.
When wines age, two different processes are involved:
The first is the softening of some of the "taste" components
such as acidity and tannin. This is caused by the gradual
growth of the size of the molecules in the wine (polymerization).
Some molecules can even reach a large size, creating
sediments (the lees). This is, by all means, NOT a sign of
poor quality or damage. Quite the contrary, but it is why old
wines should be decanted.
The second is the changing of the "grapey" flavor. This
process causes the fresh fruity character of a young wine to evolve
into more complex flavors, sometimes totally different from the
original. For instance, a young Hunter Semillon with a zingy
lemon aroma will change into toasty honey flavors, the flinty
flavor of a young chardonnay will turn into peach or custard apple,
a Coonawarra cabernet with a blackcurrant and green olive character
when young, will age into cedar and cigar box.
The main thing is to let these two processes develop together in
harmony and at coordinated speed. One thing to keep in mind
is that both processes speed up when the temperature rises and slow
down when the temperature drops.
The main thing is to let these two processes develop together in
harmony and at coordinated speed. One thing to keep in mind
is that both processes speed up when the temperature rises and slow
down when the temperature drops.
All wine is stored at the same temperature, only the
temperatures for serving and wine tasting can vary depending on the
type of wine.
This being the case and just like the natural caves used by wine
producers, it is not the exact temperature that is important, but
its constancy. In other words, as long as the temperature of
your cabinet is between 10 and 14℃, your wine will be stored in
perfect conditions if the temperature is not subject to any
significant fluctuation.