Time factor: condition, not cause

The standard

An effective maturation time names what it acts upon — the existing structure, acidity and tannin mass. Without this basis, time passes without developing a wine.

Criteria

• The effect is bound to existing structure, not to duration alone
• Time transforms and integrates, it adds nothing new
• Its contribution is limited, because every development reaches a plateau

Distinction

Time factor ≠ age: age counts elapsed years, the time factor names their effect, which depends on the make-up of the wine. Time factor ≠ ageing potential: the ageing potential is the make-up, an effective maturation time its realisation. Where the basis is missing, time changes the wine without developing it.