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Ever wondered if that special bottle in your wine rack is destined to become legendary—or just flat? Let Kristi Mayfield, certified wine expert, arm you with everything you need to confidently answer, “Should I age this wine, or pop it tonight?” Learn why only 1-5% of wines truly benefit from aging, and unravel the confusing myths surrounding vintage dates, price, and label claims.

Kristi reveals the 3 (three) invisible but critical building blocks for wine ageability—acidity, tannins, and sugar—and explains exactly how these shape a wine’s journey from fresh and fruity to rich and complex. Get practical strategies for identifying age-worthy reds and whites in the real world, and learn to avoid the heartbreak (and wasted money) of saving bottles not built to last.

Pinpoint common mistakes—like falling for the myth that all Napa Cabernets or Bordeaux are made for aging—and discover why most wines are crafted for early enjoyment. Find out which classic varietals consistently deliver the best aging results, and master the art of tasting for structure (not just flavor!) to build your confidence as a modern wine lover.

Ready to finally understand when to cellar, when to sip, and how to enjoy every bottle at its best? This episode is your go-to cheat sheet to answer the age-old question - does wine get better with age?

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The three fundamental components that make a wine age-worthy (and how to spot them)
• How to avoid the most common—often costly—wine aging mistakes at home
• Proven varietals that truly benefit from aging, and how to select them
• Simple tasting and buying strategies to confidently build your own age-worthy wine collection

Top Episode Timestamps:

00:00 Should You Age That Wine? The Hidden Truths You Need to Know
03:37 Why 95% of Wines Aren’t Meant to Age—and How to Spot the Exceptions
05:34 Decoding the Secret Ingredients: Acidity, Tannins, Sugar (& How They Preserve Wine)
10:05 Costly Myths: Expensive Doesn't Mean Age-Worthy
12:17 The Best Red and White Wines for Aging—and What Makes Them Ageable
16:37 Foolproof Buying Strategy: Taste Structure, Track Progress, and Build Confidence

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