When do wines expire? Storage times by category of Chilean wines
(Approximate reading time: 4 minutes)
Wine is a living organism, which evolves and changes over time. One of the most fascinating aspects of wine is how its flavor and characteristics can improve or deteriorate depending on how long it is stored. But when does a wine expire? The answer is not simple, since it depends on many factors, including the category of the wine, its quality and how it is stored. In this article, we will explore storage times for different categories of Chilean wines and how you can determine when is the perfect time to enjoy your bottle.
Categories of Chilean Wines and Their Aging Times
- Varietals
Varietal wines, those made primarily from a single strain, are usually designed to be consumed young. In Chile, the most common varietals include:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Carmenere
- Merlot, among others.
Guard time: These wines are best enjoyed within 1 to 3 years of harvest, taking advantage of their freshness and vivacity. Although some varietal reds may improve slightly with an additional year of aging, they are generally ready to drink shortly after release.
- Bookings
Reserve wines usually have greater complexity and structure due to an additional period of aging in barrels. In Chile, reserve wines can include strains such as:
- Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
- Reserve Syrah
- Chardonnay Reserva, among others.
Guard time: Reserve wines can generally be aged for 3 to 5 years. This time allows the flavors to integrate and develop more depth and complexity.
- Great Reserve
Gran Reserva wines are of higher quality, with a more rigorous selection of grapes and longer aging in barrels and bottles. Chilean examples include:
- Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
- Gran Reserva Carmenère
- Gran Reserva Chardonnay, among others.
Guard time: These wines can improve significantly with 5 to 10 years of aging, developing complex flavors and a rounder, more balanced structure.
- Premium
Premium wines represent superior selection and often come from specific vineyards with unique characteristics. They may include:
- Premium Syrah
- Premium Pinot Noir
- Premium Sauvignon Blanc, among others.
Guard time: Premium wines can age well for 7 to 15 years, depending on the strain and style. This aging allows for a deeper evolution of flavors and greater aromatic complexity.
- Icons
Iconic wines are the crown jewels of a winery, made with the best grapes and most careful techniques. In Chile, these wines are usually:
- Cabernet Sauvignon Icon
- Carmenère Icon
- High-end assemblies, among others.
Guard time: These wines are designed for long cellaring, and can age 10 to 20 years or more. The evolution in the bottle allows the tannins to soften and complex tertiary flavors and aromas to emerge.
Sweet and Sparkling Wines
- Sweet Wines (Late Harvest): Late harvest wines like Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc are usually enjoyed young, within 3 to 5 years, although some can age longer if they have good acidity and balance.
- Sparkling agents: Chilean sparkling wines, made primarily with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are generally designed to be consumed young, within 1 to 3 years, to maintain their freshness and effervescence.
How to Know if a Wine is at its Optimum Point?
Ratings and Reviews: Scores from competitions and reviews can be helpful in understanding a wine's aging potential. However, the best wine will always be the one you like the most.
Flavor Descriptors: Identifying the flavor descriptors you enjoy can help you find your ideal wine. Young wines tend to have fruitier, fresher flavors, while aged wines can develop more complex notes of earth, leather, and spice.
Compare Within the Same Category: When comparing wines, make sure you do so within the same category. Comparing a young Sauvignon Blanc to an aged Cabernet Sauvignon will not be helpful. Find what you are looking for within the same category and experiment.
Determining when a wine is at its best to be enjoyed can be an exciting task. It depends on the category of the wine, its quality and your personal preferences. Remember that the best wine is the one you like the most. With a little knowledge and experimentation, you can find the perfect time to open that special bottle and enjoy everything it has to offer. Health!
