There is an art to aging wine, and a lot of it depends on how you care for your bottle. By properly caring for your wine and making the most of its potential, you will be able to get the best results from your investment.
Oxygen
During storage, wine evolves as a result of a number of factors. Some of them are influenced by oxygen. The color, aroma, and flavor components of wine are all affected by oxygen. But it is also possible to create complex wines through controlled oxygen exposure.
The amount of oxygen consumed by wine during aging can vary from a few milligrams to a few liters. This is dependent on the type of wine and the conditions under which it is made.
Oxygen in wine ageing is a topic of great interest to researchers. There is a great deal of scientific research on its effects on wine, but it remains a relatively new subject. Winemakers can make a case for using oxygen to boost taste, but if the impact on wine quality isn’t well-controlled, it may be a waste of time.
Oxygen has been found to have an important role in long-term maturation of red wines. It softens and polymerises aggressive tannins. As a result, the aromas and flavors of wine develop more fully. Increasing oxygen availability during the aging process, however, increases the rate at which red wines mature.
A recent study investigated the effect of a series of large doses of oxygen on the phenolic composition of Malbec wine. Researchers measured dissolved oxygen, color, and a*, b*, and L* parameters. They found that a* and b* values were significantly greater in a treatment containing a seven-milligram oxygen dose.
Similarly, an increase in oxygen dose resulted in an increase in the free acetaldehyde content of the sample. And, as one might expect, the corresponding color density was also significant. However, the color density in a treatment containing a seven-milligram dose was not different from the color density in a treatment containing the same dose, but in a different environment.
Phenolic compounds
Phenolic compounds play a key role in wine quality and taste. They contribute to wine color, clarity, and bitterness. There are many types of phenolic compounds. Wine phenolics can be divided into flavonoids and non-flavonoids.
Flavones are the largest subgroup of phenolics. These compounds have conjugated double bonds between C2 and C3. The structure of these compounds is similar to that of benzene. In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, they also act as sunscreens against UV-A and UV-B light wavelengths.
Flavones are present in both red and white grapes. Flavan-3-ols are key compounds in achieving color stabilization and astringency. Some of the major flavonols in wine are quercetin, (+)-catechin, and epicatechin.
Other important phenolic compounds in wine include hydroxycinnamic acids, coumaric acid, and caffeic acid. These compounds are present in the skins, pulp, and seeds of grapes.
Oxidative reactions, particularly those occurring after grape crushing and fermentation, modify the organoleptic properties of wine. During aging in the bottle, oxygen can enter and influence the evolution of red astringency.
Although much remains to be discovered about the chemical and physiological mechanisms of phenolics, there are promising findings that are enhancing our understanding of how these compounds contribute to the sensory properties of wine.
Many chemical reactions can occur during the winemaking process, resulting in a variety of phenolic substances. However, the overall composition of these compounds is largely determined by the winemaking process.
While most phenols in wine come from the grape stems and pulp, a small amount is present in the skins of the grapes. The phenolic content in wine is influenced by many factors including grape varieties, winemaking procedures, and vineyard conditions.
Phenolic compounds are involved in a range of enzymatic and chemical reactions. This complexity makes it difficult to understand the relationship between phenolics and their overall effect on wine quality and flavor.
Tannins
Tannins are molecules that occur naturally in many plants and foods. They are chemical compounds that act as antioxidants. Among other things, they bind with proteins to produce an astringent taste.
Tannins are usually present in red wines. The amount of tannins in wine depends on the amount of water in the grapes, the type of barrel, the vineyard management and the production technique.
Tannins are also present in pomegranates, dark chocolate, coffee, tea, cinnamon and beer. These substances are important because they help protect the skin of the fruit and the wood of the trees from infection. However, they can also affect the taste and aroma of a wine.
Tannins are important because they add flavor and texture to wine. They also contribute to the structure of red wines. Some people prefer the mouthfeel of tannic wines. But they can cause health problems if they are consumed in excess. Luckily, there are ways to control tannins.
One way is to add a fining agent to the process of aging the wine. This process will tame the tannins and give the wine a smoother taste. Alternatively, you can use a tannin powder. If you choose to use a tannin powder, be sure to avoid adding too much.
In addition to adding flavor, tannins are important because they prevent animals from eating unripe fruits. It is not uncommon for tannins to enter the wine during fermentation. Also, you can improve the textural profile of red wines by using oak staves and chips during aging.
The shape and size of the tannin molecules can differ from source to source. For example, seed tannins are smaller than skin tannins.
Proper storage conditions
Proper storage conditions for wine are crucial for preserving its taste and quality. Keeping your bottles in a cool dark room and at a moderate temperature can increase its longevity. However, not all wines are created equal. Wines that are kept at too high of a temperature or exposed to too much air can spoil their flavor.
In addition to keeping your bottle in a cool, dark room, you should also avoid exposing it to excessive light. Not only will this make it harder for you to see what’s inside, but it can also damage the color and smell of the wine.
Another important aspect of proper wine storage is humidity. The ideal moisture level for a bottle is about 55-75%. Excessive humidity can accelerate the aging process of wine and even cause mold to grow on the cork.
Although you may not think it, the right amount of light can actually help protect your wine from UV radiation. To determine the best lighting for your wine, you should check the temperature of the room as well as the relative humidity.
An ideal wine storage temperature range is between 10 and 12 deg C. White wines prefer cooler temperatures, and red wines, on the other hand, like warmer temperatures. A thermometer is a handy piece of equipment to have in your cellar.
Temperature fluctuations aren’t necessarily bad. As long as there aren’t frequent changes, they won’t harm your wine. If you need to keep your bottles from getting too warm, you can place them on their side instead of on their bottom.
If you’re looking to store your wine for a while, you can use cellar sleeves to wrap the bottle. These can help keep the label intact.
Kit wines have an edge for aging
If you are interested in making wine at home, kit wine kits are a great way to get started. The process is simple and predictable. And it comes with all the ingredients you need.
Wine kits come in a variety of flavors and price ranges. A five-gallon batch of wine can cost anywhere from $40 to $100. Some kits contain oak powder, while others include oak chips. There are even some that are completely concentrated.
For most kit wines, you will need to back-sweeten them. This is usually done after the fermentation has stopped. You will also want to age the wine in a cool, dark place for a couple of weeks.
After aging, you can add spices and other flavors to the wine. Using a carboy, you can keep the wine at a consistent temperature. Store the wine at 45o to 50o if possible.
Wine made with kits typically contain low levels of sulfite. Adding extra metabisulfite powder is necessary for aging. It is added two days prior to bottling.
Kits are available in several countries. They are sold through online stores, wine boutiques and distributors. Several of them are sold in Europe and Russia.
Wine kits are easy to make, and they give you an opportunity to try a variety of grape growing regions. Wines made with these kits can be sweet or dry, depending on the particular blend.
In California, a law required the manufacturers of kit wine to have at least 51 percent juice and concentrate content. Most manufacturers provided 70 percent. These kits are more expensive than those with less concentrate. However, their quality is higher. Unlike the juice, the concentrate is not acidic.
