Angel's share

Angel’s share meaning in wine aging

The angel’s share refers to the natural loss of wine that occurs through evaporation during barrel aging, a phenomenon that affects all wines stored in porous wooden containers. This evaporation typically accounts for 2-4% of the wine’s volume annually, though rates vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air circulation in the cellar. In warmer climates like Argentina’s Mendoza region, evaporation rates can reach the higher end of this range, while cooler cellars experience lower losses. The process occurs because wine barrels, traditionally made from oak, are not completely airtight—the wood’s porous nature allows both alcohol and water to slowly escape. Interestingly, alcohol evaporates faster than water in dry conditions, while water evaporates more quickly in humid environments, affecting the wine’s final concentration and character. Winemakers factor this loss into their production planning, often starting with additional volume to account for the angel’s share. While this represents a tangible cost, the evaporation process is essential for proper wine maturation, as it concentrates flavors and allows beneficial micro-oxygenation through the barrel staves, contributing to the wine’s complexity and aging potential.