JUNE proved to be the most hectic month for wine travel in recent years and included a return trip to South Africa, and a wonderful few days in Rioja and Riber del Duero, Spain.
While away it dawned on me that even after some 26 years of discovering and enjoying what wine has to offer, I sometimes forget that wine is a living thing – and as you open a bottle it begins to fade and die.
The demise can be delayed for a very short time, but within days it will become undrinkable.
The aromas will evaporate and it will be unpalatable, for the air we breathe is wine’s worst enemy.
So, what is all the fuss and talk about opening a bottle of wine. . . to let it breathe?
Most wines will become more expressive on the nose after a short exposure to the air. This practice is referred to as “opening up”.
Younger wines, particularly those that prove to be rather tannic, can certainly do with a swirl in the glass. The tannins will not disappear, but that swirl will loosen them up a little.
For wines over four years old I would certainly recommend decanting to aerate them. To allow them to breathe.
Remember, wine is a living thing and will always react to the air as soon as the bottle is opened.
It has little exposure to the air while in the bottle, so pouring a glass, or decanting, will always help.
As soon as you open a bottle of wine what is inside begins to fade and die.
The demise can be delayed, but within days it will become undrinkable.
The aromas will have evaporated, and it will be unpalatable for the air we breathe is wine’s worst enemy.
Most wines can sit there after being decanted and will develop and be very drinkable for some hours.
But the older the wine – and I am generally talking anything over 15 years here – the window of opportunity to taste them once opened can diminish dramatically.
PLEASURE TO TASTE
I once had the pleasure of tasting a minute amount of a 1952 Rioja. It was marvellous. But its aromas and taste seemed to disappear in 30 minutes.
And if you do happen to have a little wine over, pop the cork back in and stick it in the fridge overnight. This will slow the wine’s demise down.
Younger, easy-drinking wines, and particularly those produced in the past three years or so, are generally made to be enjoyed within a year or two after their vintage.
Less than one per cent of the wines produced globally each year are capable of maturing over a long period, developing new notes on the nose and palate.
These, inevitably, happen to be the more expensive bottles on the shelves of your local off-licence.
WORTHY WINES
SPAIN continues to over deliver on quality at all price points.
A visit to two of the biggest producers and suppliers to the Irish market in recent days was very impressive and I will write about them and their wines next week.
As for South Africa, I can’t get over the enthusiasm of its wine makers, particularly the growing number of talented women making great wines across the nation.
I will certainly feature them in the coming weeks.
For now, here are three great new additions to the summer range at O’Briens Wines.
Rentas de Fincas Rioja Reserva 2019 (ABV 13.5%)
Currently €19.95 @ O’Briens Wine
Grapes: Garnacha & Tempranillo
A MOST welcome addition to O’Briens’ impressive listings from Spain’s Rioja region.
Modern techniques are used judiciously to craft a delicious red reflecting Rioja’s long wine making tradition.
A deep ruby colour, with ripe red fruit aromas and hints of spice and tobacco, the palate is smooth and delivers notes of oak, strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Nice length.
Enjoy with: Grilled duck breasts
Star rating: ****
Quincy Quartz AOC 2019 (ABV 13.5%)
Currently €26.95 @ O’Briens Wine
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
ELEGANT and highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Quincy, a small commune southwest of Sancerre in the Loire valley.
A vibrant pale lemon straw colour, it has lively aromas of citrus, Granny Smiths and fresh-cut grass.
The palate is fresh, with nice acidity and dominant lemon citrus. stone fruit and herbaceous notes. The lingering and lively finish has a lovely mineral note.
Enjoy with: Shellfish
Star rating: ****
MAN Family Wines Jan Fiskaal Merlot 2023 (ABV 13.5%)
Currently €14.95 @ O’Briens Wine
Grapes: Merlot, Cinsault
THIS elegant, dark ruby Merlot is crafted with fruit harvested in South Africa’s Western Cape.
It has a nice, intense bouquet of ripe plum, cherry and spices, while the warm, full palate has earthy notes and hints of ripe soft red fruits, blueberries and chocolate.
The tannins are super soft and the finish is long and lingering.
Enjoy with: Spicy pasta dishes.
Star rating: ****
