How to Determine Age Worthy Wines

Quick and easy tip – wines under $20 drink now; over $60 red wine probably is ageable. Here are three tips to determine age worthy wine.

1. Balance: The winemaking goal is to produce a well-balanced wine. It all starts in the vineyard with great fruit. When the fruit is perfectly balanced in its acidity and tannins it will produce a great wine. And it has a higher probability to age well.
2. Acidity: Acidity adds to a wine’s freshness and structure. The higher the acidity, the more ageable the wine. 
3. Tannins: The tannins add to a wine’s complexity. Tannins help the wine age better. Tannins in wines like Petite Sirah or Cabernet Sauvignon make it a perfect pairing to rich proteins because the wine tannins can cut through the fat content nicely.

Lastly, know your winemaker or winery. Like the trend to know your farmer and how your food is produced. The same trend should apply to how the grapes are grown and wines produced. LDV Winery produces complex red wines that are age worthy.

LDV Winemaker explains age worthy wine tips in this brief video.