Wine

The Art of Collecting and Ageing Wine with Liebherr

When it comes to collecting wine, knowing who you are can have a real bearing on what to collect, store and consume.

For enthusiasts, wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a living, evolving experience. We all know this because for us fanatics, the allure of collecting and ageing wine lies in the transformation that occurs in the bottle over time, and the possibilities of what could be. But like all kindred wine lovers, where you sit within this sizable grouping can have a real bearing on the journeys that lie ahead.

Who are you when it comes to wine?

First you have the “oenophiles”: humble, passionate, appreciative folk that simply love being part  the community of people who grow, make, share, and consume wine. These folk gain their knowledge through study and experience, and are inspired to travel and explore the regions that produce great wines.

They’re driven by the journey, and spend their than spend time digging for rare gems – not necessarily just the expensive “trophy cabinet” wines – that are usually cost well in excess of the actual value of the wine. Then you have the opposite end of the spectrum, where you will find those affectionally known by a somewhat NSFW description: let’s say, “WW”, if you wish to use code.

WW used to be a somewhat pejorative badge, however it is now more a tongue-in-cheek term of affection that describes a passion less veiled than that of oenophiles.  These enthusiasts can often be found at the beginning of their wine journey, happy to pay more for collectables that are sometimes less subtle, often with higher alcohol, more oak and power. Grange is a classic example here (but don’t get us wrong: we love our Grange).

Where are you in your wine journey?

As their perspectives and palates mature, WW’s will often search out less obvious wines that help progress their understanding of wine and how it changes over time. Searching for region-specific aromatic whites, like Riesling and Semillon, are signs that this transformation is underway.

Others include searching out and tracking up-and-coming winemakers who are just starting to make an impact in the wine show and awards system. Scouring auction sites for rare Jimmy Watson winners, looking for magnums of wines that are just starting to peak in 750ml format, and asking friends about the plans for their ageing parent’s cellars are other clear signs that you are becoming fully fledged oenophile.

Regardless of where you sit on this spectrum, the fundamentals of why we collect, what happens, what to look for, and how to get the most out of your prized collectables does not.

Why and what happens to wine as it ages?

Let’s start with the “why.”  As wine ages and the gradually opens up, its complexity becomes enhanced, tannins and acids mellow, and everything becomes smoother and silkier; flavours start to unwind, meld, and unlock layers previously inaccessible in its youth. Aromas change and evolve, and as aromatics bind and engage with each other, your understanding of how aroma and flavour are linked grows, and your knowledge and understanding expand.

Adding to that there’s value: whether its emotional, perceived or actual, the opening of those special bottles to help celebrate milestones, gift, or even to just enjoy, only gets better the longer you have cared for and nurtured your chosen wine.

What to look for: the foundations of ageing wine

There are some simple foundations that need to be considered at any stage of choosing wines to age.

1.Quality: a bad or not-so-great wine is not going to get better with time, period. 

2.Balance: a wine that is unbalanced in its youth is unlikely to harmonise as it ages. Often, imbalances will amplify and become more obvious over time.

3.Structure: like a house, a wine must weather the ravages of time and will fall over if the structure is not sound. In whites, it’s about acid providing longevity; in reds, it’s about tannin, mouthfeel and flavour harmony. Acidity preserves freshness, while tannins soften and integrate with flavour over time.

4.Vintage: exceptional vintages produce wines with superior balance, structure, and longevity. Research vintage charts to identify standout years.

5.Reputation and track record: reputation is always earned. Always consider wines from winemakers and producers who have a history of consistent quality.

How to care: the “everything” of cellaring wine

Without the right storage conditions, everything falls apart. These days, the best way to ensure this without digging a dedicated cellar beneath your home is a wine cabinet – full stop, end of story. Cabinets ensure the right balance between temperature, humidity and light. This triangle also needs consistency and is crucial to ensuring a wine ages gracefully.

• Temperature control is paramount – ideally between 10–15°C with minimal fluctuation.
• Humidity levels should be around 60–70% to keep corks/seals from drying out.
• Light: wines should be stored in a dark space away from vibrations and strong odours. Purpose-built wine cellars or temperature-controlled wine fridges are excellent investments for serious collectors.

Thankfully there are a number of companies who excel in the manufacture of wine storage cabinets for the home. One such is Liebherr, who were among the earliest to produce dedicated wine refrigerators. Their 75-year-long experience in industrial design and manufacturing has resulted in a range of wine storage solutions that cater to the needs of every collector, beginner to advanced.

Other tips for WW’s and aspiring wine collectors

Here are some simple tips that apply regardless of where in your wine journey you are.

Limit time and movement in your wine supply chain. Transport and storage can present risks: the longer it takes to reach you, the more likely it is that your box of wine will encounter a 30 degree day on a dock or in the back of a truck. When buying young wines, always buy a few to track and assess the potential of that wine. It will also assist in making a call on how long to keep it cellared before enjoying. 

Buy direct from wineries. Join mailing lists for access to limited releases and back vintages. Many producers offer special allocations to members.

Wine auctions and secondary markets. Platforms like Langton’s are good for acquiring rare bottles,  but do still require diligence on your part to verify provenance and condition.

Wine memberships. Being part of a wine subscription service or society such as Wine Selectors can only be of benefit: Wine Selectors in particular applies a quality test to each bottle purchased, and supplies useful information on a wine’s ageing potential via tasting notes: an excellent way of understanding what wines will age, and what to collect.

A life in wine: precious bottles and personal journeys. Deciding when to open a special bottle can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Milestone occasions – anniversaries, achievements, or personal celebrations – are often the perfect opportunities to do so, and reap the rewards of diligent collection.

Because ultimately, collecting is as much about the journey as the destination. Each bottle becomes a snapshot of a vintage, a winemaker’s craft, and your connection to these elemental factors. Whether it’s for personal enjoyment or legacy-building, a thoughtfully curated wine collection can provide a lifetime of memories and unparalleled sensory experiences.

Whether you’re just starting to build a wine collection, or want to keep your cherished favourites in the best possible condition to enjoy on those most special occasions, there’s sure to be a Liebherr wine cabinet to suit your needs.

Explore the Liebherr range in full and discover for yourself.

Explore Liebherr wine cabinets