When it comes to natural wine, patience truly does pay off. While some wines can be enjoyed fresh and young, natural wines benefit greatly from aging. As time passes, the flavours of natural wines become more complex and nuanced, creating a truly unique and exquisite experience. Without further ado, let us explore the aging process of natural wine and explain why patience is so important when it comes to enjoying them.
Why Aging Matters for Natural Wine?
Unlike traditional wines that may be enhanced with chemicals or sugar, natural wines are pure, unadulterated representations of the grape. While natural wines are generally consumed relatively young, some natural wines can age gracefully over time, developing greater complexity and nuance with each passing year.
The aging process is critical for natural wines as it allows the wine to fully express itself, unlocking the potential for greater depth, balance, and structure. As natural wines are produced without the addition of any preservatives or stabilisers, thus they tend to be more sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. This makes aging natural wine a more delicate process than aging traditional wines, as improper storage conditions can cause the wine to spoil or become unbalanced.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of aging natural wine are clear. Over time, natural wine can develop a more complex and layered flavour profile as the tannins and acids in the wine slowly soften and mellow. The result is a wine that is more nuanced and elegant, unlike any other.
How Flavours Evolve Over Time?
When it comes to natural wine, aging is essential in bringing out the wine’s full complexity and flavour potential.
One of the primary ways in which aging enhances the complexity of natural wine is through the development of secondary and tertiary aromas and flavours. These aromas and flavours are more subtle than primary flavours, and can only be developed through extended aging. For example, a natural wine may start with primary fruit flavours, but with aging, it can develop earthy, floral, or spicy secondary and tertiary notes.
In addition to developing new flavours and aromas, aging also allows the wine’s flavours to integrate and harmonise over time. This results in a more balanced and seamless flavour profile, where the different components of the wine work together to create a cohesive whole.
5 Factors That Affect the Aging Process of Natural Wine:
The aging process of a preservative-free wine can be influenced by a number of factors, including:
- Grape Variety – The grape variety used in making the wine can have a big impact on how it ages. Some varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, are known for their ability to age well and develop complex flavours over time.
- Alcohol Content – The alcohol content of the wine can also affect how it ages. Wines with higher alcohol content tend to age more slowly and may not develop the same level of complexity as lower-alcohol wines.
- Tannins – Tannins are a natural preservative found in the skins and seeds of grapes. Wines with high levels of tannins tend to age well, as the tannins help to protect the wine from oxidation and allow it to develop a rich, complex flavour profile.
- Acidity – Acidity is another important factor in the aging process of wine. Wines with high levels of acidity tend to age more slowly and may not develop the same level of complexity as wines with lower acidity.
- Storage Conditions – Finally, the way that you store your wine can have a big impact on how it ages. Natural wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature and humidity level. If the wine is exposed to heat, light, or fluctuating temperatures, it can age too quickly or develop off flavours.
Ideal Storage Conditions for Natural Wine:
- Natural wine should always be stored in a cool, dark and humidity-controlled place, as excessive heat, light, and dryness can damage the wine’s quality and flavour. The ideal temperature for natural wine storage varies depending on the type of wine and its age.
- Wine should be stored on its side to keep the cork moist. The cork acts as a seal, preventing the wine from oxidising and losing its flavour. If the cork dries out, it may shrink, which will let air into the bottle, causing the wine to spoil.
- The storage location of wine plays a vital role in preserving the wine’s taste. Storing wine in a cellar or a temperature-controlled cabinet can protect it from temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the wine remains stable.
If you have yet to try natural wine that has been aged, you are missing out on a whole new level of complexity in flavour and aroma. Simply put, patience pays off when it comes to natural wines like organic red wine, and the result is a complex and sophisticated taste that can rival any aged wine.