Oak Treatment
Aging or maturing wine in oak barrels or exposed to oak is an important component of wine making. There are many different types of oak - with each type having a significant outcome on the flavour characteristics and ageing ability of a wine.
Below is a summary of some of the important elements that need to be taken into account when selecting barrels for wine aging or maturation.
|
Traditional |
Prestige Barrels |
American Oak |
Evolution |
Selection |
|
|
Oak |
French |
Trancais |
American |
French |
French |
|
Grain |
Tight |
Extra Tight |
Mixed |
Medium Tight |
Tight |
|
Seasoning |
24 months minimum |
24 months minimum |
24 months minimum |
18 months minimum |
12-18 months |
|
Toast |
Medium |
Medium |
Medium+ |
Heavy |
Medium |
|
Wine |
Top of the range |
Top of the range |
Premium |
Premium |
Premium |
|
Aging |
12 months+ |
12 months+ |
12 months+ |
12 months+ |
8-10 months |
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Oak Barrel Aging (PDF 160Kb)