Buyer's Guide: The Aromas of Mature Wines

1. Understanding Wine Aging

Aging allows wine to develop complex aromas that are not found in young wines. This process transforms primary aromas (from the grape) into tertiary aromas, brought about by aging in the bottle.

2. Aromas Developed by Mature Wines

• Mature Red Wines:

  • Dried fruits: Dried black cherries, prunes.
  • Sweet spices: Cinnamon, clove.
  • Underbrush: Dead leaves, truffle, humus.
  • Tobacco and leather: These aromas appear with age, giving the wine a particular depth.
  • Precious woods: Cedar, sometimes accompanied by notes of vanilla and chocolate, resulting from barrel aging.

• Mature White Wines:

  • Candied fruits: Apricot, peach, quince.
  • Dried flowers: Chamomile, acacia flowers.
  • Honey: A subtle sweetness that develops over time.
  • Hazelnut and roasted almond: Characteristics of great white wines from Burgundy.
  • Minerality: Notes of flint, chalk, typical of wines from limestone terroirs.

• Mature Sparkling Wines (Champagne):

  • Brioche and toasted bread: Resulting from long aging on lees.
  • Dried fruits: Almonds, hazelnuts.
  • Mushroom: Notes of underbrush, often associated with great vintages.
  
  
  

3. Why Do Aromas Change?

Aromas evolve due to the interaction between oxygen, tannins, and phenolic compounds in the wine. This process, called oxidative aging, enriches the wine's aromatic bouquet.

4. How to Taste a Mature Wine?

• Temperature: Mature wines should be served slightly warmer than young wines (16-18°C for reds, 12-14°C for whites).
• Aeration: Some mature wines benefit from prior aeration to fully reveal their aromas.
• Decanting: For red wines, decanting allows the wine to be separated from any potential sediment.

5. Buying Mature Wines: What You Need to Know

• Provenance: Ensure that the wine has been stored in optimal conditions.
• Vintage: Inquire about the renowned vintages for each region and type of wine.
• Condition of the Bottle: Check the integrity of the label, cork, and wine level in the bottle.