The Art of Cellaring Wine: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
The Art of Cellaring Wine: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
There is a quiet magic to opening a bottle of wine that has been gently resting, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal its story. The act of cellaring wine, giving it time and space to evolve, is as much about honoring the craft of winemaking as it is about anticipating the beauty that patience yields. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are wines of nuance, each capable of unfolding remarkable layers of complexity with age. Their shared ability to express terroir and evolve over time makes them timeless favorites for collectors.
Creating the Perfect Conditions for Aging
Though different in character, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay share similar cellar needs. By providing the perfect environment for wines to rest and evolve, you can transform them into treasures worth waiting for.
Temperature: A consistent 55°F is ideal, with minimal fluctuation.
Humidity: Maintain 60-70% humidity to preserve the cork's integrity.
Light: Shield bottles from direct light to prevent degradation.
Position: Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist, ensuring a perfect seal.
Stillness: Avoid vibration, which can disrupt sediment and interfere with aging.
The Timeline of Maturity
The aging potential of wine is as much about the craftsmanship behind the bottle as it is about the varietal itself. For Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, here are general guidelines:
Pinot Noir: Known for its silky texture and refined structure, Pinot Noir ages beautifully for 5-15 years, depending on the vintage and region. Its lighter tannins and vibrant acidity allow it to soften and reveal deeper layers of earthiness, spice, and fruit over time.
Chardonnay: With its crisp acidity and restrained oak, Chardonnay shines as a lighter white wine that can age for 5-10 years. Cool-climate Chardonnays with bright citrus and mineral notes gradually develop richness, evolving into a luscious yet refined profile with honeyed and nutty undertones. This evolution highlights the wine’s finesse, proving that even lighter whites can withstand time.
A Ritual Worth Savoring
There is a ritual to opening a bottle that has been lovingly cellared. A gentle decanting may be required for an older Pinot Noir, allowing it to breathe and shed any sediment. Chardonnay, meanwhile, is best served at slightly warmer temperatures than a young bottle, coaxing out its intricate aromas. With every glass poured, the years of patient anticipation are rewarded—a profound reminder of the artistry and care that went into crafting the wine.
A Testament to Patience
To cellar wine is to invest in the future—to trust in the winemaker’s vision and the journey of time. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with their unparalleled ability to evolve, are reminders that the best things in life are worth waiting for.
Whether just beginning your collection or adding to a cherished cellar, these wines promise a reward that transcends the years. And when that long-anticipated cork is finally pulled, the wine will tell a story of time, care, and the spirit of the land where it all began.
Aging Insights From The Winemaker
How long is the ideal length of time to store Tolosa Wines?
“I try to craft each wine to be good to drink young, but I’ve noticed that the Chardonnays are more interesting after one year in the bottle and, most of the time, after three years for the Pinot Noir. On average, I believe we can keep our Chardonnays for at least seven years and Pinot Noirs for at least ten. Of course, this varies depending on the vintage’s overall quality, whether it’s an exceptional or challenging year.”
How do you decide which wines are crafted to be enjoyed young versus those meant to age?
“Very good question. I look first at our wine portfolio tiers: Signature AVA, Single Vineyard, and Primera. Signature wines are versatile; they can be consumed young but are suitable for aging, while for the upper tiers, I always suggest aging."
Are there specific markers or characteristics you look for in a wine that indicate its aging potential?
“First, I am very cautious about acidity—specifically pH levels. The lower the pH, the longer the wine’s potential lifespan, though it might taste too acidic early on. Second, I consider the wine’s density; a denser wine ages better than a thinner one. Lastly, we take extra safety measures, like bottling at low dissolved oxygen levels and sterile filtering, to prevent premature aging and spoilage.”
What changes do you enjoy most in a well-aged bottle of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay?
“There are two main changes I enjoy in aged wine versus young wine: the evolution of aromatics and flavors—shifting from fresh and defined elements to something more integrated and intriguing—and the overall softening of acidity and structure.”
How does the terroir of Edna Valley (and other vineyards you source from) impact a wine’s ability to age?
“The cool climate of Edna Valley is key. High temperatures reduce natural acidity, but our cooler weather preserves it, ensuring lower pH levels and guarantees good aging potential. This concept extends to all our coastal vineyard sources across California, where the climate contributes to the longevity of our wines.”
