Ep 262 – The Science & Magic of Aged Wine with Kelli White

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina explores one of the most fascinating topics in wine education: aged wine. This is a deep dive into how wine changes over time, designed for anyone who wants to learn about wine, understand classic wine regions, and build confidence in tasting and evaluating wine. Joined by award-winning wine writer and educator Kelli White, this wine podcast episode unpacks what really happens inside a bottle as it ages - from tannins and acidity to sediment, closures, and storage conditions. Together, they explore how and why certain wine grapes and wines from regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Barolo develop complexity and character with age, while others lose their structure. Along the way, they also discuss wine travel experiences, the emotional side of opening mature bottles, and what it really means to build a wine collection — whether you are just starting out or already passionate about aged wines. Whether you’re looking to learn about wine more deeply, explore iconic wine regions, or simply understand what makes aged wine so special, this episode brings together science, storytelling, and the romance of wine in one place.     02:31 – The first bottle that made Kelli White realise wine could be something profound. 03:46 – The first truly old wine Kelli tasted — an unforgettable Burgundy experience during harvest in France. 05:19 – Ceremony, emotion and memory — how older wines become part of life experiences. 06:57 – What’s currently in Kelli’s cellar — older Napa Valley wines, including a rare Charbono from Inglenook. 08:22 – Saving wines for special occasions — Burgundy, patience and deciding when to open a bottle. 09:08 – When does a wine become truly complex? Understanding the transition from youthful fruit to mature character in wines from regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Barolo. 10:48 – What actually happens inside a bottle over time — tannins, aromas, colour, acidity, classic wine grapes and texture explained.  19:23 – Why wine aging is unpredictable — evolving components, plateaus and misconceptions about “peak drinking windows.” 24:04 – What really helps wine age? Acidity, tannin, balance, craftsmanship and the role of wine storage. 26:11 – Ideal wine storage conditions — temperature, humidity, darkness and why consistency matters. 28:51 – Wine aging experiments — underwater cellaring, wines sent into space and a past wine podcast episode featuring Jane Anson. 29:32 – Common wine storage mistakes — kitchen heat, air conditioning units and sunlight exposure. 32:32 – Cork vs screw cap — closures, oxygen transfer and how modern wine technology is evolving. 34:39 – Hill of Grace by Henschke — one of Australia’s iconic fine wines proving premium wines can age under screw cap. 35:08 – Sediment explained — tannins, tartrate crystals, lees and why older wines develop deposits. 38:13 – How to train your palate for aged wine — practical ways to explore mature wines and discover your preferences. 42:46 – Decanting old wine — when oxygen helps and when it can completely destroy a fragile bottle. 45:26 – Janina’s experience opening a 1940s Château Troplong Mondot Bordeaux during restaurant service. 47:48 – Advice for anyone building a wine collection — curiosity, experimentation and keeping an open mind about wine styles. 48:28 – Unexpected wines that age beautifully — including rosés from López de Heredia, Clos Cibonne and Domaine Tempier. 50:32 – Kelli White’s book Wine Confident and Janina’s listener discount code EATSLEEP15 for Academie du Vin Library. 📩 Email: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep\_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Cheers to you 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025 and 2026) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list