Vins de garde

Some wines are meant to be enjoyed young, while others reveal their full potential after a few years in the cellar. This selection features wines meant for aging, chosen for their ability to evolve over time and gain complexity.

Which wines can be aged?

A wine with aging potential generally has good structure, nice concentration, and balance, allowing it to age well over the years. The tannins, acidity, alcohol content, and richness of the wine all play a significant role in its aging potential.

Great red wines are often the first to come to mind when building a wine collection. Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône, the Loire, and Languedoc all offer numerous wines capable of aging for several years. But certain white wines—notably the great Chenins from the Loire, Rieslings, and sweet wines—can also offer excellent aging potential.

When should you drink a wine meant for aging?

There is no universal aging period: each wine evolves at its own pace. Some will begin to reveal their complexity after 3 to 5 years, while others can be cellared for 10, 15, or even more years under the right conditions.

Over time, the aromas evolve: fresh fruit gradually gives way to more complex notes of ripe fruit, spices, forest floor, leather, or dried fruit. The texture also changes, with tannins that generally become more integrated and a more harmonious palate.

How do you store wine for aging?

To ensure that a wine ages well, proper storage conditions are essential. Ideally, bottles should be stored in a cool, dark place with no significant temperature fluctuations and protected from vibrations. A wine cooler can be a good solution if you don’t have a natural wine cellar.

Discover our selection of wines meant for aging and choose the bottles that can be cellared for a while before fully revealing their potential.