Investing in Wine: The Best Wines to Age for 10 Years or More

October 2024

Wine is more than just a beverage; it is a living, evolving investment. At Vini e Capricci, we understand that the art of collecting and ageing fine wine is a pursuit that combines passion with patience. As the years pass, a well-chosen wine can transform, developing layers of complexity and depth that are simply unattainable in its youth. For the discerning connoisseur, investing in wines that age gracefully is a rewarding endeavour—both in terms of personal enjoyment and potential financial return. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best wines to age for 10 years or more, ensuring that your cellar is stocked with bottles destined to become treasures.

Why Invest in Age-Worthy Wines?

The allure of ageing wine lies in its potential to evolve, gaining new aromas, flavours, and textures that are impossible to replicate in younger vintages. Ageing allows the wine to mature, soften, and develop a bouquet of tertiary flavours such as leather, tobacco, dried fruit, and earth. For investors, well-aged wines can also appreciate in value, making them a valuable asset in a diversified portfolio.

A cellar filled with a variety of different wines

The Best Wines to Age for 10 Years or More

When choosing wines to age, it’s essential to select those with the right structure and balance—qualities that indicate they will improve over time. Here are some of the top wines known for their ageing potential.

1. Bordeaux Blends

Why Age Bordeaux?

Bordeaux, particularly from the prestigious Left Bank appellations such as Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Émilion, is renowned for its ageing potential. These wines, typically blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals, have the tannic structure and acidity necessary for long-term ageing. Over a decade or more, a well-made Bordeaux can develop complex flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and earth.

A wine rack stocked with a variety of different wines

Recommended Vintages

Look for Bordeaux from exceptional vintages like 2010, 2005, and 2000. These years produced wines with the concentration and balance required for ageing. Château Latour, Château Margaux, and Château Pétrus are among the most sought-after estates for collectors.

2. Barolo

Why Age Barolo?

Known as the “Wine of Kings,” Barolo is crafted from Nebbiolo grapes in Italy’s Piedmont region. Barolo’s high tannins, acidity, and aromatic intensity make it an ideal candidate for ageing. With time, its robust structure softens, and it develops layers of dried rose petals, tar, leather, and truffle.

A glass of red wine and the barrel it is stored in

Recommended Vintages

Barolo from top producers like Giacomo Conterno, Bruno Giacosa, and Bartolo Mascarello, particularly from stellar years such as 2010, 2006, and 2001, are prime candidates for ageing. These wines can easily age for 10-20 years or more, becoming more elegant and complex with each passing year.

3. Burgundy (Red and White)

Why Age Burgundy?

Burgundy, both red (Pinot Noir) and white (Chardonnay), is revered for its nuanced expression of terroir. The finest Burgundies, particularly from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, have the structure and balance to age gracefully. Red Burgundies gain complexity, with flavours of forest floor, dried cherry, and spice, while white Burgundies develop rich, nutty, and honeyed characteristics.

A close up on wines stacked on a wine rack

Recommended Vintages

Invest in Burgundies from producers like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Leflaive. Vintages like 2005, 2010, and 2015 are known for their ageing potential. Red Burgundies may require a decade or more to reach their peak, while white Burgundies can evolve beautifully over a similar time frame.

4. Riesling

Why Age Riesling?

Riesling, particularly from Germany’s Mosel, Rheingau, and Nahe regions, is one of the world’s most age-worthy white wines. Its high acidity and natural sweetness (even in dry styles) allow Riesling to develop stunning complexity over time. Aged Rieslings often reveal notes of petrol, honey, apricot, and minerality, becoming more intense and layered with age.

A glass of white wine and the barrel it is stored in

Recommended Vintages

Seek out Riesling from producers like Egon Müller, Joh. Jos. Prüm, and Dr. Loosen, particularly from vintages such as 2011, 2007, and 2001. These wines can easily age for 10-20 years, gaining in complexity and refinement.

5. Champagne

Why Age Champagne?

While many enjoy Champagne in its youthful, effervescent state, certain Champagnes—particularly vintage and prestige cuvées—benefit immensely from ageing. Over time, Champagne develops richer, toastier flavours, with notes of brioche, nuts, and caramel, while the bubbles become finer and more integrated.

Close up of bottles of champagne stored on a wine rack

Recommended Vintages

Consider ageing Champagne from houses like Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Louis Roederer. Exceptional vintages such as 2008, 2002, and 1996 are known for their ageing potential. Vintage Champagne can age for 10 years or more, evolving into a complex and luxurious experience.

Conclusion: Patience Rewarded

Investing in age-worthy wines is a journey that requires both knowledge and patience. As these wines rest in your cellar, they mature into something far greater than the sum of their parts, offering a sensory experience that is deeply rewarding. Discover our selection of age-worthy wines at Vini e Capricci, and start building a collection that will stand the test of time.

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