What does it mean to age like fine wine?

DEAR READER,

I received this charming question from an inquisitive reader last week.

Dear Sommelier Ferdinand,

Where does the phrase “aging like fine wine” originate? It’s so fun!

-Imani

I just love your question! What a lively spirit you have, Imani! I’m more of a wine guy myself, but let me take a shot!

Let’s start with what “aging like fine wine” doesn’t mean. It’s not referring to wine that is just fine, as in “not bad” or “it’s just okay, I suppose”.

No ma’am, we’re talking about fine wine, something different altogether. What is fine wine? Well, there’s no exact definition. While this leads to hyperbolic descriptions from unscrupulous salespeople and a few of my charlatan contemporaries, it’s better if “fine wine” remains an unofficial term. The conversation continues bubbling, and it allows more knowledge to flow. More teaching, from experienced, know-how-immersed intellectuals like myself; towards the less-knowledgeable, but nonetheless motivated amateurs like you, Imani!

I shan’t belabor the point, but let’s just say that fine wine is… really good wine! Sophisticated in its creation, of course! Fine wine isn’t created through a cookbook stencil like a cookie or cracker. Fine wine takes its time! Grapes need to be cultivated, harvested, and allowed to rest. Because fine wine comes from nature, success is not guaranteed, and so Darwin chooses the most blessed grapes to churn into drink.

A fine wine is made unique by its terroir. It has craftsmanship, patience, history and quality imbued into its grapes. Although the prices may convince you otherwise, fine wine is not about presentation. There may be sediment, and maybe it doesn’t have that youthful, light texture that swirls so easily around a glass, but a fine wine requires a bold palate and a wholesome appreciation.

Speaking of appreciation—the best part about fine wines is that they become more valuable over time! And that’s where your turn of phrase originates. To say someone “ages like fine wine” is to say they get better over time. It could be a cursory observation about, say, smooth skin—or it could be a deeper comment about personal growth. As long as they get better over time—like me—they age like fine wine!

Now, what was I saying about appreciation?… that’s right! Fine wine’s value rises as months pass. No shareholder meetings, no stock options, no market caps to consider—only the simple tenet of supply and demand!

So, why not check out AltiWineExchange’s newest Initial Bottle Offerings! If your investments in fine wine age like fine wine, you might stand to collect.

-Sommelier Ferdinand. 09.11.21

Explore More from Our Blog

What is a Port Wine?

by | February 1, 2022 | News | 0 Comments

DEAR READER, Let’s start February off with a simple question: Good morning, Mr. Ferdinand, What is a Port wine? -Jacques Thank you, Jacques, for your brevity. Let’s get down to business! Ports are an underrated, very particular type of wine made in the Douro Valley,...

What to Expect for Fine Wine Investments in 2022

by | January 14, 2022 | News | 0 Comments

Let’s face it, between an ongoing COVID pandemic, erratic markets, fires, floods and major humanitarian crises, 2021 was exhausting. And though none of us can be sure what to make of 2022, we can say with confidence that fine and rare wine investments are looking...

Holiday Gift Guide for Fine Wine

by kendalmontgomery | December 20, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

It’s that time of year again! And so begins the search for the perfect holiday gift. Something unique, something that shows you truly care. How about a gift that keeps on giving? An investment. Imagine their surprise when you tell them that their gift is resting...

FAMILY-RUN WINERIES

by | December 3, 2021 | Eccentric Somelier | 0 Comments

DEAR READER, As I grow immensely in popularity, I’ve noticed more of you interested in my personal life. I didn’t begin e-blogging with this in mind, but I don’t mind indulging every now and then. I imagine my intellect intimidates a lot of you, so maybe shedding some...

The Truth about Fine Wine

by kendalmontgomery | December 1, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Fine wine. What does that really mean? The truth is, as words, they don’t mean much. There is no official classification system for the title “fine wine.” It’s not like the regulated usage of “Premier Cru” or “Grand Cru Classé,” for example, rather anyone can throw it...

Maipo Valley Reds

by Sommelier Ferdinand | November 26, 2021 | Eccentric Somelier | 0 Comments

DEAR READER, I am again-and-again charmed by my readers’ curiosity! It reminds me of being a young sommelier, ready to take on the world one glass at a time. I know far too much to feel that way again—but at least I can experience a shred of it through you all! Dear...

Liquid Harmony

by kendalmontgomery | November 25, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Harmony. Think Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Think Picasso's The Old Guitarist. It’s that moment when various elements come together to create magic. And magic really is the word, no? Wine can also sip in harmony, and I can think of no better example than the...

NOSTALGIA AND THE ADELAIDE DOURO RED

by Sommelier Ferdinand | November 15, 2021 | Eccentric Somelier | 0 Comments

DEAR READER, Let’s get down to it! Dear Sommelier Ferdinand, I respect your point of view, but I must ask: don’t you think worshipping wines is partaking too mightily in the past? Wouldn’t you rather create your own memories than indulge in nostalgia? -Ethan Ethan,...

The Top 10 Wines to Invest In Today

by kendalmontgomery | November 10, 2021 | News | 0 Comments

Imagine that back in the day you invested in a case of 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon wine. When released, mailing list members had the chance to snag a bottle of this "cult wine" for a mere US$75.00. Fast forward to now, and one bottle alone goes for...

How do you age well like fine wine?

What does it mean to be called fine wine?

What is the saying about age and wine?

What's the saying about fine wine?