a coined expression meaning improving with age. This expression refers to the practice of aging wine in wooden barrels. Wines are usually stored in wooden barrels prior to bottling. Aging in wood brings about chemical changes in the wine which improve its
taste,
color and aroma. Some wines may be aged for several months while others are aged for years, depending on the
type of wine and the
quality desired. After aging in wood, the wine is put in a bottle.