Can you drink 100 year old wine?
Wine lovers are always up for a challenge when it comes to drinking wine, and one of the questions that have been boggling their minds is whether or not you can drink 100-year-old wine. Well, the short answer is yes; you can drink 100-year-old wine but should you? Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering popping open a bottle of ancient vino.
The Aging Process
Before we can get into whether or not it’s safe to drink century-old bottles of wine, let’s first understand how they age. Wines age differently over time depending on various factors such as storage temperature and humidity levels Our taste preferences also change over time, which makes enjoying an old bottle of wine much more complicated than merely taking off the cork.
The aging process involves complex chemical reactions that lead to subtle changes in the color and texture of the liquid inside the bottle. Oxidation occurs when air interacts with your favorite red blend, turning its dark purple hue into shades of brownish-orange while creating secondary flavors such as nuttiness.
Some Wines Age Better Than Others
Not all wines age well; some lose their desirable qualities quicker than others just like humans losing their edge too quickly after reaching certain ages. Factors such grape varietals used , production methods employed play key roles in determining which wines will stand up better against Father Time .
Generally speaking, Rioja from Spain shows promising ageing potential due to long periods spent wood aged using new oak barrels during production ;while Bordeaux from France has classically produced an excellent product due significant tannic structure found among merlot ,Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown there necessary for ageability and longer life span without falling victim to vinegary spoilage .
On other end white varieties tends towards lower levels tannins making them fairly delicate thus low life expectancy particularly under unforgiving storage conditions.
The Importance of Proper Storage
Been said that wine loving puts you on the path to hoarding boxes and boxes of old vintage wines with visions of leaving them as your legacy; but hold up ! You need proper storage to avoid disappointment when you finally pop the cork. Poorly stored bottles will turn into vinegar, eliminating any chance of a rewarding drinking experience .
Wine needs constant contact with humidity — too low or high will lead dire consequences such evolving aromas like wet cardboard ; while direct sunlight is known have adverse effects breaking down unique flavours overtime ruining taste even aroma beyond repair.
Therefore good bottle-cellar should in dark and cool place free from odors , vibration ,high adjacent heat sources keep humidity levels ranges 55% upwards whereby optimum temperature stands between 45 °F(7 °C) -65°F (18 °C);
Bottle Age vs. Drinking Window
The age written on the label refers largely to when it is expected for this particular vino vintage produced from certain region to reach its apex flavor profile
Drinking window may last much longer than expiry date In where depending largely upon individual stylistic preferences aged character or meant intended pairing preference possible lasting high sweetness content only available post ageing .
It wouldn’t be wise some people prefer their wines youngish so that they can feel all those primary frutal flauvours bursting through glass as opposed musty undertones developed due prolonged maturation over an extended period since bottling
If looking forward to celebrating accomplished personal milestone then consulting professionals experienced cellars fetching recommendation similar product styles capable revealing characteristic mature blends concise affordable experience .
Popping Open Century-Old Bottles: Yay or Nay?
Now comes for one million-dollar question –should you drink century-old wine? Well… there’s no straightforward answer, it depends on several factors, including how well it was stored over time and the cork’s condition.
Older bottles will likely have a compromised sealing that can introduce unfiltered air, leading to vinegar. An expert opinion regarding bottle opening should be considered, especially if seals undoubtedly damaged.
Once all of those variables are taken into consideration and the wine is determined to be drinkable, then it’s just up to you whether or not to take the chance on enjoying that unforgettable sip
Bonus:If tasting antique glasses & feeling uggish weird try matching with modern counterparts like food ice-breaking notes Also there is no shame adding mixer few pitchers sangria keeps pickling taste at bay
Conclusion
Drinking 100-year-old wine could either end in truly delightful sips of the future-past history bottler ; or regretful swigs knowing finances gone down drain after drinking vinegar but hey! life without risk taking too boring Repeat tasted older wines known be top notch so who knows? why not experience going one step beyond ordinary dining adventures