For any wine region, general assumptions apply. For example, white wines age for less than red wines. A more fruity, youthful reds versus, for instance, an oaked chardonnay could probably compete in the same time barrier. Where the longest oaking allowance goes to a any very complex, tannic red. That perhaps opened too early would actually taste rancid, where a significant amount in oak is compulsory.
Wine aging is massively subjective to the grape, region, winemaker and technique. Therefore in Argentina due to our rich terrior of hot days, cold nights, high altitude, natural irrigation from the Andes, we can produce a virtually any grape. With such a huge variety of produce the aging of a particular line of wine is solely dependent on the winemakers’ style and opinion of what the wine is capable of. Where in France the much more volatile temperature differential and variety of terrior within the country results in a more specific grape allocation to particular areas and more specific aging guidelines in accordance to their vinification laws.
Since the wine culture stretches further back into the Old World wine history their development in creating wines that can age for a much longer period of time than our Argentine wines. The history of these AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) have increased the quality and popularity of these wines, and ability to age by limiting allowed yield, thus the intensities increase and the ability to age. They also have the upper hand as they produce the most expensive and ‘high quality’ aging oak barrel, costing upwards of $600 USD each and using 25% of a whole tree! Where American oak barrels cost far less.
However, here in Argentina wine country we are perhaps still going through puberty in the wine world, so to speak. Our features are beginning to shine however we have much to learn and accomplish in terms of complexity and aging potential. We still have no regulations on labeling, appellations, alcohol content, release dates, transportation or most importantly for many Argentine wines the yield. This illustrates the much more relaxed regard to not only wine production but life in general in Argentina. However, attempts have been made within the wine community to determine specific growing areas. The only control being the 10% of the country‘s produce that is perceived ‘vinos finos’ or fine wines which are controlled by the government. Obviously fine wine is all we use at our Buenos Aires wine tastings! We would be happy to chat more with you about this subject when you come visit us.