WineYears accelerates wine ageing using physical processes
StartupRealities No 97 WineYears is a scientific research company which explores novel physical treatment processes to accelerate wine ageing. Micro-oxygenation, exposure to electricity, higher temperature, pressure, shaking, magnetism, ultrasound waves and radiation all seem to accelerate the maturation of wine. HISTORY OF WINE AGEING Aged wine sealed in ceramic amphorae was prized highly in Ancient Greece and Rome. However, from the 5th to the 16th century new wine was more expensive than aged wine because of the inability of merchants to store wine in airtight containers. With the spread of the cork in the 17th century and the popularisation of fortified wines (Port and Sherry), ageing became possible and prestigious again. GLOBAL AGEING STATISTICS Most wines do not age well: only 5% to 10% of wine improves after one year and only 1% improves after 5-10 years. As a result, about 90% of wine in the world is consumed within one year of production, while 99% of wine is dru...