When Should I Drink My Wine?
One of the most common questions among wine enthusiasts is when to drink their wine. It's an important question to ask because drinking a wine at the wrong time can negatively impact its flavor and overall enjoyment. So, when is the right time to drink your wine?
The answer varies depending on several factors, including the type of wine, the winery, the region, the price of the wine, the individual grape, and the vintage. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to drink your wine:
White Wines: Most white wines are meant to be consumed within one to three years of their release. This includes American and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. However, some white wines can age for much longer, such as Riesling and Chardonnay, which can last for decades. White Burgundy, in particular, has created some of the best aged Chardonnay I’ve ever tasted. Here, price isn’t overly a factor. While there is some very expensive white wine (including the infamous $2500 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Screaming Eagle in California), even that wine was meant to drink relatively young.
Red Wines: Red wines generally require more time to age than white wines. The majority of red wines can be enjoyed within five years of their release, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. However, some red wines, such as Bordeaux blends, can be aged for several decades. What I would warn against is drinking expensive red wines too young. Too often I see people purchase bottles of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon at its current vintage and drink it the same night. While that’s perfectly fine if you want to drop $100 to do that, it’s often possible to spend a little less on a lesser known brand with more age that will actually give a fuller, richer flavor and to let your bottle of Caymus age a little longer.
Sparkling Wines: Sparkling wines are generally best consumed within one to three years of their release. However, some high-end sparkling wines, such as Vintage Champagnes, can be aged for much longer. The general rule here is 2: first, is it a sweeter sparkling? If so, it can age 2-5 years. second, if it is made anywhere else but Champagne, France, 1-5 years of aging; in Champagne, 5-15 years.
Sweet Wines: Sweet wines, such as dessert wines, are typically ready to drink upon release. They do not require any additional aging and should be consumed within a few years of their release. Most have been aged for you. A few I would recommend are Dow’s 20-Year Tawny Port and any Lustau sherry. One thing to note, however: Sauternes (from the region of Sauternes in Bordeaux, France) can age for as long as you want. It will get darker and the flavors will get deeper and more flavorful, losing some of their candied apricot flavors and gaining deeper, darker chocolate and nutty notes. Sauternes is a great wine to purchase for when you child is born because, like your child (hopefully), it’ll just get better with time!
Rosé Wines: Rosé wines are generally meant to be consumed within one to two years of their release. They’re beautiful, they’re fun, but most notably, they’re fresh! This is the hallmark of a good rosé! They generally do not improve with age and should be consumed while they are still fresh.
One of the most important services I offer in cellar management is giving my clients a layout of exactly when to drink their wines. Knowing when to drink your wines can be a lot of guesswork or going off of other people’s guesses. Let me take that guesswork out of your wine cellar and give you certainty instead. Contact me today and let me start managing your wine cellar!