Wines aged in stainless steel (7–18 months)

Theageing in stainless steel for between 7 and 18 months is a winemaking choice aimed at obtaining more structured, complex wines, while still keeping the varietal purity and the aromatic precision typical of an inert material.

Unlike short ageing, here the wine is left to mature longer in stainless steel in order to to stabilise naturally, to develop slowly and to acquire greater balance, with no aromatic interference from wood or oxidation.

Characteristics of long ageing in stainless steel

  • Duration: from 7 up to 18 months

  • Environment neutral and controlled → no external tertiary contribution

  • Often combined with techniques such as:

    • Sur lie (fine lees)

    • Bâtonnage regular

    • Static maturation at controlled temperature

  • It preserves aromatic integrity, but improves texture, stability and depth

Style of wine produced

Appearance Result
Colour Greater intensity and brightness
Aromas Ripe fruit, developed floral notes, light mineral or saline sensations
Palate More enveloping, with medium body, good savouriness and persistence
Longevity Often able to evolve for 3–5 years after bottling

Ideal grape varieties and types

  • Structured whites: Fiano, Vermentino, Timorasso, Ribolla Gialla, Pecorino

  • Whites sur lie: Stainless steel Chardonnay, Malvasia Puntinata, Sauvignon Blanc

  • Nimble but complex reds: Young Barbera, Frappato, Cannonau, Nerello Mascalese

  • Some substantial rosés or for ageing

Food pairings

  • Baked fish, baccalà mantecato, fine shellfish

  • White meat, rabbit, roast chicken

  • Medium-aged cheeses

  • Flavourful first courses: herb risotto, pasta with mushrooms

  • Complex or spiced vegetarian dishes

Why choose a wine aged in stainless steel for 7–18 months

For those looking for balance between freshness and depth
To appreciate the the typicity of the grape variety with nothing to mask it
For wines versatile and food-friendly
An excellent compromise between immediacy and longevity

In Stainless Steel (7–18 months): My personal top three

  • 1
    Saint-Joseph Blanc 2021 - Dard et Ribo

    Saint-Joseph Blanc 2021 - Dard et Ribo

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: France, Rhône, Saint-Joseph
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Geheimer Rat 2013 - Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

    Geheimer Rat 2013 - Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Deidesheim, Germany, Palatinate
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Mâcon-Verzé “Le chemin blanc” 2022 - Nicolas Maillet

    Mâcon-Verzé “Le chemin blanc” 2022 - Nicolas Maillet

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Burgundy, France, Mâconnais
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried