Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.
5 Wines That Just Get Better With Time, According to a Master Somm
Forget checks and fancy cookware.
By
Emily Singer
Gifts grounded in experiences — a vacation, a tour of an otherwise off-limits building, dinner at a notable restaurant — are among the most memorable that you can give. The same goes for something focused on the future, meant to commemorate and celebrate an occasion. While all wine on store shelves is suitable for immediate consumption, some bottles get better with time. “Aging wine will mellow out its flavors,” says Dustin Wilson, Master Sommelier and founder of Verve Wine. “With time, wine starts to shed fresh, fruity flavors and gain earthy or nuttier notes. The acidity and tannins will also soften up a bit. The wine becomes more harmonious, more balanced, more interesting.”
A wine to save and open on the anniversary of an event is a gift that embodies celebration — for weddings, birthdays and graduations. But, as Wilson notes, not all wines age well, while some are best left for longer stretches of time.
Gear Patrol: What determines whether a wine will age well in the bottle? Dustin Wilson: There are various factors that will contribute to a wine’s ageability. High acidity, tannins and alcohol are the structural elements that can each help the wine to go the distance. Concentration of flavors is usually a sign of a wine that will age well also. Of course, a producer’s use of sulfur will also contribute to how long the wine can age in bottle. That all said, I think the number one factor to ensure a wine will age well is proper storage. This tops everything.
GP: Are there grapes or types of wine that are better suited to bottle aging than others? DW: Absolutely. Wines with good structure tend to last longer. There are many, but Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne and Chardonnay are a few that have good potential. Stick to well-made wines from good producers and solid vintages for longer aging.
GP: What about the length of time in which a wine is aged? Are some styles better when aged longer? DW: I’m a big believer that properly stored wine can last a very long time. I’ve tasted 60-year-old Pinot Blanc from Alto Adige, Italy, that was outstanding because it sat in the producer’s cellar and never moved. It also depends on the initial quality of the wine. High-quality Nebbiolo could last 50 years or more, where a more basic style might only last five years or so. Generally speaking, if the goal is to age the wine for a long time, buy something of high quality and store it right. Cool temperatures (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), darkness, proper humidity (around 70 percent) should do the trick.
Goldwin's Mac Coat is made from Gore-Tex Paclite – which is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, packable and doesn't compromise on a soft handfeel. Get 15 percent off one of your own by signing up for the brand's newsletter.
Staub's enameled cast iron is versatile, distributes heat evenly, and works with any heat source, including induction. This is one of our favorite pieces of cookware.
Anthony Bourdain always said you really only needed one good knife in the kitchen. This one could be it. It is made with a fiberglass handle and a three-layer blade construction that will stand the test of time.
Huckberry and Timex threw it back to the 70s and 80s with this collaboration. Starting with a blank slate, the brands led with the iconic cola colorway, added a military-inspired dial and finished it off with a woven stainless steel bracelet and aluminum timing bezel.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket.
Best Made is back and we're grateful because it means we have access to its thoughtfully made goods that are always high quality. This pocket knife is forged by a fifth-generation Japanese blade maker and will develop a patina over time that is unique to you.
When it comes to keeping temperature, ThermoWorks is elite. The brand is a leader in humidity trackers, pH monitors and meat probes, but its marquee product is the humble Thermapen. If you don't believe us, ask chefs and grillmasters everywhere.
Huckberry teamed up with the squad at GORUCK to make a pared-back version of GORUCK's flagship GR1 backpack that still packs a solid punch. Made with 500D Cordura, it is tough but not overdoing it with super thick fabric. One of its coolest features is the laptop compartment, which sits higher against your back so that it is protected if the bag gets dropped.
Solo Stove took the 360 Airflow Design that made its fire pit so exceptional and turned it into a charcoal grill that is perfect for backyard hangs. This bundle comes with the grill, a grill stand, a cover, a carry case, plus briquettes and starters to get you going.
This is your new go-to for spring. Whether you're headed to the gym, lounging around the house or pairing it with a button-down shirt, this heather crewneck will get the job done. Todd Snyder sure knows how to outfit the American man.
If you want a mask with more protection and versatility than a simple cloth mask, check out this one from Outdoor Research. It has adjustable straps to keep your fit dialed and comes with three replaceable filters that block out 95 percent of particles.
Casio's legendary G-Shock line is not only a utilitarian achievement but is also just super stylish. You can find G-Shocks everywhere, from space to the street. This one is a bit pared back compared to others, which makes it an excellent addition to any fit any time.
With a not-too-short-but-not-too-long 8-inch inseam, these versatile shorts are excellent for going out for a run but won't show too much skin when you head to the gym. Plus, they have four pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
This desk lamp is packed with features that will make you wonder how you lived without it. Aside from its lighting, it utilizes RavPower's groundbreaking HyperAir technology for ultra-fast wireless charging and has a USB port for any other devices you might have.
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 31 percent off, you do it.
Making more coffee from home now? So are we. Ditch the Mr. Coffee and unlock all the flavor your freshly roasted beans have to offer with a french press. It is super simple to use and really does make exceptional coffee.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and bags. They keep your food fresh, contain no BPA and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Plus, you can also use them for marinades or sous vide thanks to their Pinch-Loc seal.
This is our pick for the best big and tall office chair, but that doesn't mean it won't work for those of us that are more vertically challenged. The ergonomics on this chair are excellent, ensuring that you stay comfortable for the long haul.
A midweight insulated jacket is a must-have in every outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. This one from The North Face is packed with features, including a DWR finish to fend off light rain, post-consumer recycled insulation and is packable for easy stowing (or for use as a travel pillow).
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This smart vacuum senses when it is full, locks itself back into its port and empties without any work on your end. It also keeps a record of its ventures into your home, making for more efficient journeys in the future. This combo includes an Echo Dot for only $10, which is a valuable add-on that has many more benefits than just the vacuum connectivity.
If you have trouble waking up, especially in the winter, getting an artificial light to simulate sunrise is a great option. This alarm clock features nature sounds to wake you up, tap snooze and an auto-dimming display.
This is one of The North Face's most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io