This may be another of those wine myths I discussed in my previous article: Do all wines need to be aged? What is the benefit of storing a bottle for months (or years)? Many winemakers will tell you that not all wines need to be — or should be — aged.

Most makers of moderately-priced wines know that consumers want immediate gratification. We want to buy it today and drink it tomorrow. So they craft their wines with that in mind. This is especially true of most rosés, whites, and even a few reds.

When a wine ages, it oxidizes, which changes the way the liquid feels on your palate. A recent article by Maria Scinto in The Takeout explains that many wines, including the varietals mentioned above, are “brighter and more vibrant” in the first year or so after production and can be enjoyed without laying them down in the bottom of your closet.

Red wines, especially the more costly ones, are a different story. They contain a large amount of tannin, which comes from the grape skins during fermentation. Tannins provide structure and density to the wine, but in younger reds, they produce a drying sensation on the tongue. As W.C. Fields once said, “Feels like the Russian Army marched through my mouth in stocking feet.”

Fortunately, tannins break down over time. The molecules bond together, and the mouthfeel of the wine becomes softer and more lush. Also, many costly red wines are often released for sale several years after bottling, so they already have some age when you purchase them.

How to Know if a Wine Should Be Aged

The best way is to taste it, though that’s not always practical. Once opened, wine cannot be aged, as it won’t last long in the fridge. Here are three approaches to help ensure your bottle is at its best:

1. Use a Coravin – This clever gadget, invented by Greg Lambrecht (MIT graduate), inserts a thin needle through the cork to pour a small amount of wine without compromising the bottle’s seal. You can sample the wine over time and decide when the tannins and other components are smooth and integrated.
2. Learn the Wines You Enjoy – Many lighter-bodied wines, such as Gamay and Pinot Noir, require less aging. Denser wines like Cabernet, Syrah, and Tempranillo can benefit from a year or more in the bottle. There are exceptions: Burgundy Pinot Noirs, for example, can benefit from 10–15 years of aging.
3. Read Reviews – Publications like Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate provide expert guidance. The Wine Spectator database alone contains over 400,000 reviews.

If you do invest in wines that need aging, a wine refrigerator usually costs less than $500 and will keep bottles at the perfect temperature until they mature.

New Favorites to Enjoy Now

• VDR Very Dark Red NV ($19) – From San Luis Obispo, deep garnet color with rich black cherry, blackberry, lavender, and vanilla notes. A blend of Petit Sirah and Petit Verdot. Very full-bodied. WW 88
• Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 2023 ($15) – Bursting with refreshing apple, peach, and melon flavors, with signature acidity and minerality. Perfect with seafood. WW 90
• Davis Bynum Russian River Chardonnay 2022 ($30) – Creamy and complex, with multiple apple flavors: apple pie, baked apple, lemon, and butterscotch on the finish. WW 89
• Davis Bynum Russian River Pinot Noir 2022 ($20) – A great value for Pinot. Rich red fruit dominated by cherry flavors, with hints of baking spice. WW 92

Jerry Greenfield is The Wine Whisperer — a wine author, educator, and consultant. Order his books, Secrets of the Wine Whisperer and Ask the Wine Whisperer, and read his blog at www.winewhisperer.com.