Do You Recommend Aging HALL Wines?
The #1 question to ask yourself when aging wine is, is this wine of quality? A good wine will endure over time, but a GREAT wine will get better as it ages. All of HALL’s wines are hand crafted from the best fruit Napa Valley has to offer. Our wines are nuanced and layered, and elegantly balanced with a firm tannin structure and bright acidity. Because of this, you can count on HALL wines to age beautifully.
How Will My Wine Change as it Ages?
As your wine ages in the bottle, there are many chemical reactions happening that can alter the flavor, aroma, and texture.
For example, as red wine ages, the bold tannins will become softer. This is why Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent wine to age. (If you’re wondering what a tannin is, it’s what creates a drying sensation on your tongue when you take a sip). Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have a thick skin, which is what gives the wine bold tannin structure. Because of this, a young cabernet sauvignon can age for many years, and with each passing year you’ll find it develops a softer, rounder flavor profile.
You’ll also notice a very different nose and taste over time. This is the appeal of aging wine, as it almost transforms as it sits in the bottle. The big fruit flavors you might notice in a young wine will become secondary, and other more subtle flavors will come forward - especially earthy and savory flavors, and the oak influence. If these are flavors you enjoy over bold fruit, then you are a great candidate for aging your wine.
Here is a basic outline of how long you should age wines based on varietal:
0 – 2 years: Aromatic white wines like Riesling, Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc
1 – 3 years: Weighty white wines like Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne, or Marsanne
1 – 4 years: Lighter reds including most Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Tempranillo
2 – 5 years: Medium reds like Zinfandel, Barbera, and Merlot
2 – 7 years: Medium/heavy reds including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
2 – 10+ years: Heavier reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Red Ports