Frequently Asked Questions

What is fine wine?

Fine wine refers to high-quality wine made with exceptional grapes, careful winemaking and a focus on balance, complexity and ageing potential.

What does “age-worthy wine” mean?

Age-worthy wine is wine that is structured to improve over time in bottle, developing greater complexity, softness and depth with proper cellaring.

What makes a wine suitable for ageing?

Wines suitable for ageing typically have high natural acidity, structured tannins (for reds), concentration of fruit and overall balance that allows them to evolve slowly over time.

How long can fine wine age?

Depending on the style and producer, fine wines can age anywhere from 5 to 20+ years, with some premium bottles capable of developing for even longer under ideal conditions.

What happens when wine ages?

As wine ages, tannins soften, acidity integrates and flavours evolve from fresh fruit into more complex notes such as dried fruit, earth, spice, leather and savoury characteristics.

Are all wines meant to be aged?

No. Most wines are made for early drinking within a few years, while only a small proportion are designed specifically for long-term ageing.

What styles of wine age best?

Full-bodied red wines, high-quality white wines with good acidity, and structured wines from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo and Rioja are among the most age-worthy styles.

What is the difference between fine wine and regular wine?

Fine wine is produced with greater attention to quality, vineyard selection and ageing potential, while regular wine is typically made for immediate consumption and consistency.

How should fine wine be stored?

Fine wine should be stored in a cool, dark environment with stable temperature and humidity, ideally on its side to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation.