There are certain occasions in life — moving in with a significant other, traveling to a foreign country, giving a wedding gift — that just cry out for a gorgeous bottle of wine. But unlike birthdays or anniversaries, these are occasions that call for a bottle you may not want to drink right away. The idea of aging wine is so romantic. You buy or receive a bottle for a special reason, lay that bottle down for a certain period of time in a custom designed wine cellar, and crack it open years later to reminisce about that Big Day or that special trip.
But not all wines age well. Knowing which wines are meant to age can be tricky, and sometimes, age-worthy wines come with a major price tag. But not always! There are plenty of affordable, age-worthy wines out there for you to purchase, lay down, and enjoy over the next 10, 20, even 40 years! We’ve rounded up a list of eight of our favorite wines for under $60 a pop that can withstand the test of time. Remember, though, cellar conditions — dark, cool, and humid — are key.
Deutz NV Champagne (Age Up to 2-3 years)
Did you know that Champagne is one of the most age-worthy wines out there? Their naturally high acids make them prime candidates to lay down and enjoy years later. If you’re looking to age your bubbles for over 10 years, you’re going to have to spend a little more money and splurge on a vintage Champagne; however, if you’d like to simply grab a bottle and see how it evolves 24 months down the line, a high-quality NV Champagne, such as the bottling from Deutz, is delightful. Average Price: $50
Hugel Riesling 2014 (Age Up to 3-5 years)
Tasting a Riesling in its youth alongside a Riesling with a few years of age on it can be a mind-blowing experience. Youthful Rieslings tend to be rich in zesty, stone fruit flavors, but after some time, they develop secondary traits of flint and petrol. While this may sound unappealing, we assure you it’s delicious. Average Price: $21
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 (Age Up to 10 years)
Big, bold Tempranillo-based wines can be super aggressive in their youth. The wines of Rioja tend to have strong tannic structures and see extensive oak aging, with both flavor profiles mellowing out over time. When looking for high-quality wine to age, Rioja is a steal. Average Price: $54
Ca’ del Baio Barbaresco Asili (Age Up to 10-15 years)
Barbaresco, often referred to as the Queen of Italian Wine, actually benefits from extensive aging. The wines of Barbaresco are based on the Nebbiolo grape, whose fussy tannins can be astringent and unpleasant in their youth but are the reason why these wines hold up for so long. Grab a bottle and see for yourself. Average Price: $38
Sobrero Barolo 2012 (Age For 10+ years)
If Barbaresco is Queen, Barolo is most definitely the King. Hailing from Piedmont, these Nebbiolo-based wines, like their Barbaresco counterparts, can be quite harsh and undrinkable in their youth. Over time, tannins polymerize and give way to the Nebbiolo’s delightful tertiary aromas of tar and roses. Average Price: $47
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 (Age Up to 10+ years)
The powerhouse red blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are perfect examples of wines that can be enjoyed young, yet develop gorgeously over time. Between balance and backbone, these full-bodied reds will be enjoyable now, but develop a serious elegance over the next 10 years. Average Price: $44
Domaine Faury Côte-Rôtie 2014 (Age Up to 10-15 years)
The rustic, meaty reds of the Northern Rhone, based on the Syrah grape, are chock-full of dusty tannins and high acid, making them ideal bottles to lay down in the cellar for over a decade. Look to Côte-Rôtie, “the roasted hill,” for gorgeous examples that will soften and come to life over time. Average Price: $58
Château Suduiraut Sauternes 2011 (Age Up to 10-15 Years)
When buying dessert wines, Sauternes is king. These brilliant bottles from Bordeaux have some of the best aging potential of all wines; in fact, some bottles can age for well over 50 years! The perfect balance of high acids and residual sugar is the reason these wines can truly withstand the test of time. As a bonus, these sweet wines will eventually develop into a gorgeous hue of gold. All good things in life are worth waiting for, right? Average Price: $50 (half bottle)
