Ageing wine in bottles is an oenological practice that transcends simple conservation and transforms the liquid into a complex and refined masterpiece. This process combines science, art and patience, where the wine matures and evolves, developing more subtle and harmonious flavours and aromas.
After fermentation and, in many cases, after an initial period of ageing in oak barrels, the wine is bottled. This is not the end of its journey, but the beginning of a new phase of maturation. Ageing in the bottle allows the wine to continue developing in a controlled manner and protect from external elements. This process is fundamental for the following reasons:
· Flavour Refining: During bottle ageing, the wine's components, such as tannins, acids and phenolic compounds, continue to interact. These gentle, slow chemical processes help to soften the tannins, better integrate the flavours and create a more harmonious texture.
· Aromatic development: Ageing in the bottle allows the wine to develop a more complex aromatic palette. Primary fruit flavours can give way to more secondary and tertiary notes, such as spices, leather, tobacco and earth.
In general, for robust and structured red wines, the bottle ageing period can vary from 6 months to several years. White wines, especially those that undergo barrel ageing, can also benefit from bottle ageing, although the time is generally shorter. Nowadays, we also find white wines that have been aged for years in the bottle, which shows the fabulous evolution of the wines. This is the case with our Quinta do Convento Colheita 1999 White, an excellent example of how white wines evolve in the bottle.
"The world's great wines only reach their full potential when they are aged for a long time in the bottle. Time will always be the factor that distinguishes between a good wine and a great wine. But we mustn't forget the conditions in which wines are stored. The bottles should be lying flat and in cool areas with no temperature fluctuations. And a certain amount of patience and control. The (good) surprises come later!" - adds our winemaker, Diogo Lopes.
All in all, ageing wine in bottles is a crucial step in the wine's journey, allowing it to evolve and reach its full potential. This process, which requires patience and care, results in more complex, harmonious and pleasurable wines. The best time to bottle and age varies, but the impact of this ageing is undeniable, transforming the wine into a true work of art. So, the next time you open a bottle of well-aged wine, remember to appreciate the patience and mastery that made this experience possible.
