Glossary
Aging
/AY-jing/
The maturation of wine over time in barrel, tank, or bottle.
Full Definition
Aging allows wine to develop complexity through slow chemical reactions. Barrel aging adds oak flavors and allows micro-oxygenation. Bottle aging develops tertiary characteristics like leather, earth, and dried fruit. Not all wines benefit from extended aging; most are made for immediate consumption.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with A
Acetaldehyde
A chemical compound formed during fermentation and oxidation.
Acetic Acid
The acid responsible for vinegar character in wine.
Acidity
The tart, sharp quality in wine from natural grape acids.
Adega
Portuguese term for winery or wine cellar.
Aeration
Exposing wine to air to soften tannins and release aromas.
Alcohol
Ethanol produced during fermentation, expressed as percentage by volume.