WINE GUIDES · WOUTER PARENT
When is a wine ready to drink?
Ready to drink does not describe one exact moment. A wine can be enjoyable at several stages. You may prefer bright fruit and freshness, while someone else enjoys the savoury notes that develop with age.
Look for balance
A young wine may feel firm, tannic or tightly wound. With time, tannins can feel softer and aromas can become more complex. That does not mean every firm young wine will become wonderful if you wait long enough.
Watch for fading
A mature wine can have dried fruit, leather or earthy notes while retaining balance. When fruit and freshness have largely disappeared and the finish becomes tired or unpleasant, it may be past the stage you enjoy. That is different from cork taint.
Use your own observations
Consult a suggested drinking window, then test it against the bottles you actually own. If you have several, taste one and record the date, condition and your preference. Storage history matters as much as the calendar.
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