5.1.2.b Determining the length of the ageing period

What are the wine's properties and the desired profile?

Conventional ageing periods are generally between 12 and 24 months, often 18 months.
Very prolonged ageing is not suitable for all wine profiles. A wine that is sensitive to oxygen will not benefit from a long ageing period for example. On the other hand, a powerful wine with substantial tannic mass will need time to let the tannins develop.
One of the first steps to determine the length of the ageing period is therefore to know the wine's profile.

Is it possible to store several vintages at the same time?

When space is limited, logistics are obviously a major consideration. In situations where storing two vintages at the same time is impossible, it is common to practice a 12-month maturation period. This rotation system allows the barrels can be reused directly for the current year's vintage without leaving the barrels empty for too long.
Conversely, when several vintages can be stored simultaneously, there is more flexibility in the choice of ageing period.

Clos de Tart's cellar

Is it possible and necessary to renew barrels every year?

In the case of barrel aging, it is necessary to regularly renew all or some of the barrels. This will depend on the wine's profile. Certain grape varieties are not suited to ageing with too much new wood.

Barrels are typically used for two or three vintages, or even more in some cases. A percentage must therefore be renewed each year for there to be consistent rotation over the years.
The percentage is adjusted according to the number of wines to be produced, the need for new barrels for each wine and the annual yield.
At Château Grillet, for example, only one or two new barrels are purchased each year since the need for new wood is not very great.

Cellar at Château Grillet (Credit Vinexia)

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