Wines aged in stainless steel (19-36 months)

Theageing in stainless steel for 19–36 months is a winemaking choice aimed at preserving the aromatic freshness of the wine, avoiding any contamination from wood and keeping the varietal purity.

This long maturation period in containers inert and neutral such as stainless steel allows the wine to to stabilise, harmonise and develop greater complexity without losing fragrance. It is a technique typical of structured, long-lived whites, but also used for reds and sparkling wines that aim for aromatic cleanliness and freshness.

Technical characteristics

  • Vessels: temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks

  • Duration: from 19 to 36 months

  • Aim: stability, slow evolution, preservation of varietal character

  • Effects:

    • Protection from oxidation (reductive environment)

    • Preservation of acidity and savouriness

    • Slow, linear evolution

🍷 Effects on the wine

Appearance Characteristics
Colour Clean, bright, stable
Aromas Fruity and floral notes held for a long time, with mineral or slightly developed notes
Palate Fresh, taut, with a medium-full body; a balance between youth and maturity
Longevity Greater than with short ageing in stainless steel, with wines able to develop for several years in bottle

Wines that use this ageing

  • Structured whites (Verdicchio, Riesling, Fiano, Vermentino)

  • Young but complex reds (some Pinot Nero, Syrah)

  • Metodo Classico sparkling wines (base wine kept in stainless steel for long periods)

Typical pairings

  • Oily fish (tuna, salmon)

  • Creamy risottos, seafood pasta

  • Semi-aged cheeses

  • Roast white meat

Why choose a wine aged in stainless steel (19–36 months)

For those looking for wines clean, fresh and long-lived with no influence from wood
To appreciate the varietal purity and the bond with the terroir
For an organoleptic profile riper but still fresh
For an elegant, modern alternative to long wood ageing

In stainless steel (19-36 months): My personal top three

  • 1
    Berg Roseneck 2009 - Georg Breuer

    Berg Roseneck 2009 - Georg Breuer

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Hesse, Germany, Rheingau
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Albariño Colección 2021 - Pazo Senorans

    Albariño Colección 2021 - Pazo Senorans

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Galicia, Rías Baixas, Spain
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Cuvee du Prince 2018 - Cave Mont Blanc

    Cuvee du Prince 2018 - Cave Mont Blanc

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Alta Valle, Italy, Aosta Valley
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried