We've all heard the phrase, "ageing like a fine wine," but what does that really mean? The truth is, not all wines are made to age, and a lot of factors determine if a bottle will actually get better with time.

The ability of a wine to age depends on a combination of its own intrinsic qualities, the winemaker's skill, and how it's stored. Understanding these elements can help you choose the right wines for your cellar and enjoy them at their peak.

What Makes a Wine Age-Worthy?

When you’re looking for a wine with long-term potential, here are the key characteristics to consider:

• High Acidity:Acidity is the backbone of a wine's structure. Over time, acids break down, so a wine with higher acidity to start with will maintain its freshness and structure for longer. This is why many cool-climate white wines, like Riesling, are excellent for cellaring.
• Moderate Alcohol:While alcohol is essential for a wine's body, very high alcohol levels can act as a catalyst, causing the wine to age and break down faster. Wines with a moderate alcohol content tend to evolve more gracefully.
• High Sugar Levels:For sweet wines, sugar is a powerful preservative. Just like in jam, sugar has an osmotic effect that prevents undesirable microbes from damaging the wine, allowing it to age for decades, sometimes even centuries.
• High Tannins:Found primarily in red wines, tannins are the compounds that create a drying sensation in your mouth. They act as a natural antioxidant, stabilising the wine's colour and flavour. As a wine ages, these tannins soften and become silkier, protecting the delicate fruit and aroma compounds from oxidation. This is why a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can age so well.
• Quality of the Producer:Some wineries craft wines specifically for ageing, often their top-tier or single-vineyard releases. These are made with structure and longevity in mind. Other wines are designed to be enjoyed young and fresh, so it's helpful to know the producer's style. For example, our PooleySingle Vineyard and Heritage rangesare perfect for cellaring, while others are best enjoyed sooner.
• Proven History:If a winery has a history of producing vintages that have aged beautifully, it's a good indicator that their future wines will have similar potential. Seeking out vertical tastings or older releases from a producer can give you a great insight.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Even the most age-worthy wine won't live up to its potential if it's stored improperly. Stability is the most important factor in wine storage. A famous experiment in Tuscany proved this by storing the same wine in two conditions: half at an ideal cellar temperature of12-14°Cand the other half at room temperature. The wines stored at room temperature aged four times faster and were more likely to develop faults.

While not everyone has a dedicated climate-controlled cellar, you have great options for storing your wine:

• Wine Fridges:Small wine fridges are a fantastic investment, providing stable, cool temperatures and protection from light.
• Cool, Internal Rooms:A basement, a closet, or an internal room sheltered from temperature fluctuations and light can serve as a great storage location.
• What to Avoid:Garages and kitchens are the least favourable places to store wine due to their frequent and drastic temperature changes.

Don't Just Cellar One Bottle

Finally, if you’re serious about cellaring, don’t just buy one bottle. A good starting point is to cellarthree to six bottlesof the same wine. This gives you the chance to open a bottle every few years to check on its progress. You might find you opened it too early and decide to hold on to the rest, or you might discover the perfect drinking window and be able to share your success with friends.