Released at drinking maturity: a decision, not a seal

The standard

A responsible release shifts the judgement about maturity from the buyer to the producer.

Criteria

• The state is determined on the wine, not derived from the vintage
• The determination precedes publication, not the other way round
• The moment remains movable if the wine does not hold it
• The release applies per vintage, not to a cuvée as a whole

Distinction

Released at drinking maturity ≠ drinking maturity: drinking maturity is a state of the wine, publication a decision about it. Released at drinking maturity ≠ ready for market: availability says nothing about the state. A responsible release keeps the two apart.