Underwater aging of wine

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Underwater wine is a method used to age wine by placing bottles in the sea, lakes, or other bodies of water at varying depths. The technique is based on the idea that constant pressure, stable temperature, absence of light, and gentle water movement may influence the wine's development. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

History

References to interactions between wine and seawater date back to ancient Greece. On the island of Chios, grapes were sometimes soaked in seawater for several days, a practice intended to accelerate drying and subtly modify the flavour. [3] [4] However, contemporary underwater aging refers specifically to the immersion of finished wine bottles. In 2010, more than one hundred bottles of champagne dating to the 1700s were recovered from the Baltic Sea. Analysis indicated that the wine had been preserved in favourable conditions, suggesting that low temperatures and darkness contributed to its stability. This discovery stimulated renewed interest in underwater aging techniques. [1] [3] [4]

Technology

Bottles are typically immersed at depths between 25 and 60 metres. At these depths, external pressure approximates the internal pressure of the bottle, creating stable storage conditions. Gentle water movements may keep yeasts or sediments in slight suspension, while constant temperatures and the absence of light limit external variation. [1] [2] [3] [4] Wines aged underwater are reported to exhibit distinctive aromatic profiles, sometimes described as more complex or with pronounced mineral notes. Sparkling varieties may retain fine bubbles, and some producers claim that underwater conditions help maintain freshness and longevity. Bottles often accumulate marine deposits such as shells or encrustations, which are sometimes valued for their aesthetic appeal by collectors. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Note

  1. 1 2 3 4 David Kermode (29 November 2023). "Ageing wine underwater: explained". Club Oenologique. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "Special wines aged under water: five sea wine cellars created on the seabed". Vinhood. 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Underwater wine: history and technique for a cellar under the sea". Xtrawine. 15 January 2024. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "UnderWater Wine: il vino affinato sott'acqua". FlorWine. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
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