Mature

/muh-CHOOR/

Wine that has developed with age and is ready to drink.

Full Definition

Mature describes wine that has aged sufficiently to develop complexity, integrate components, and reach optimal drinking. Primary fruit evolves into secondary and tertiary characteristics. Determining maturity is subjective; some prefer youthful wines while others wait decades. Most wine is made for immediate consumption.

Related Terms

developed aged peak

See Also

Maturation Back to Glossary Medium-Bodied

More terms starting with M

Maceration

Soaking grape skins in juice to extract color, tannin, and flavor.

Madeirized

Wine showing oxidation and heat damage, like Madeira.

Magnum

A 1.5-liter bottle, holding two standard bottles.

Malic Acid

A tart acid in grapes, converted to lactic acid during ML.

Malolactic Fermentation

Bacterial conversion of tart malic acid to softer lactic acid.

Master of Wine

The most prestigious wine qualification worldwide.