Why Does Wine Taste Better With Age?

14 February 2025

Why Does Wine Taste Better With Age?

Wine and aging have a long-standing relationship steeped in history and tradition. We often hear the phrase, “like a fine wine, it gets better with age,” but why is that?

Not all wines are made to be aged, but for those that are, time in the bottle can transform their flavour, aroma, and texture into something truly remarkable.

Let’s dive into what makes certain wines improve with age and why the concept of “maturity” in wine excites so many wine lovers.

The Science Behind Aging Wine

At its core, wine aging is a chemical process. Over time, various components within the wine – such as acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, and alcohol – interact in ways that create new and complex flavours.

For instance, tannins, which are compounds found in grape skins and seeds (and also from oak barrels), tend to soften as wine ages. This can take a wine that was once sharp or astringent and turn it into something smoother and more refined.

Similarly, the fruit flavours in wine can evolve into secondary and tertiary notes. A young Cabernet Sauvignon may taste predominantly of fresh blackberries, but with time, it might develop layers of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs.

The magic of aging is this transformation – a symphony of flavours that unfold in harmony.

Not All Wines Are Meant to Age

Contrary to popular belief, most wines are crafted to be enjoyed relatively young. Studies suggest that approximately 90% of all wine produced globally is intended for consumption within one to five years. These wines are typically fruit-forward, fresh, and vibrant.

Wines that benefit from aging tend to have certain structural characteristics. High acidity, robust tannins, and a balanced sugar-to-alcohol ratio are key indicators of age-worthy wine.

Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Nebbiolo often have these qualities, as do some white wines such as Riesling and Chardonnay.

Fortified wines like Port and Madeira are also famously long-lived due to their higher alcohol content and sugar levels.

What Happens During Aging?

Softening of Tannins: Over time, tannins polymerise (bind together), reducing their harshness and creating a smoother mouthfeel. This is why an aged red wine often feels velvety compared to its younger counterpart.
Development of Flavour: Primary fruit flavours diminish slightly, making room for secondary (oak-derived) and tertiary (age-derived) flavours. These can include earthy, nutty, or savoury notes that add complexity.
Colour Changes: Red wines tend to lighten, shifting from deep purple to brick-red or garnet hues. White wines, on the other hand, can darken, taking on golden or amber tones.
Aromas Become More Complex: Aged wines often have subtler, more integrated aromas. A young wine may smell predominantly of ripe fruit, but with time, it can develop hints of spices, leather, or even forest floor.

Packaging and Aging

Traditional bottles with cork closures allow a small amount of oxygen to interact with the wine over time, aiding the aging process. However, not all packaging is designed for aging.

All Greenskin wines are chosen with fresh, vibrant flavours in mind. Our small-batch selections are the ideal choice for wine lovers who appreciate quality and convenience without waiting years for their wine to mature. Plus, the eco-friendly packaging eliminates the risk of cork taint or oxidation often associated with bottles.

Since our launch in April 2021, we’ve been rigorously taste-testing and lab-testing all our wines. So far, our Greenskin whites are drinking beautifully for up to three years, and our reds for at least five years – possibly even longer. We’ll keep updating this as our testing continues!

Another brilliant perk of our innovative Greenskin Wine pouches?

If you don’t finish a whole pouch in one sitting, simply squeeze out the air, reseal, and preserve the quality of the remaining wine. By removing all the air, your wine stays fresh for up to 2–3 weeks – compared to just three days (tops) in glass!

How to Enjoy an Aged Wine

Drinking an aged wine is an experience in itself. Decanting is often recommended to aerate the wine and separate it from any sediment that may have formed.

Using appropriate glassware can also help accentuate the wine’s complex aromas.

If you’re looking to build your own wine collection for aging, start with a few high-quality bottles from reputable producers, focusing on varietals known for their longevity – think Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, or Riesling.

Proper storage is key, so keep your wines in a cool, dark space with stable temperature and humidity levels. A dedicated wine fridge or cellar is ideal, but a dark cupboard away from heat sources can also do the trick.

Aging wine requires patience, but the reward is worth it. There’s something truly special about revisiting a bottle you’ve cellared for years and discovering how its flavours and textures have evolved – tannins soften, aromas deepen, and new complexities emerge.

It’s like opening a time capsule of taste, making every sip a celebration of both the wine’s journey and your own.

The Final Sip

While not all wines are destined for a long life, those that are, can offer a deeply rewarding sensory journey. The decision to age a wine or drink it young comes down to personal preference and the type of wine in your glass.

At Greenskin Wine, we’re all about enjoying exceptional, ready-to-drink wines – but we’re also here to celebrate the stories and science behind what makes wine so special.

Whether it’s fresh out of the pouch or carefully aged, wine is a gift meant to be savoured.

Cheers!

Mike and Kim

PS: For more detailed information on the aging of wines, check out this informative Wine Vintage Chart by Wine Enthusiast.

Quality Assurance

We stand firmly behind the quality of our wines and offer our money-back guarantee – your ticket to a risk-free wine adventure. See full details here Quality Assurance Guarantee.