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How does storing wine in oak barrels affect the flavour and character? Read this guide to find out.
Most of us are aware of the finest wine and champagne varieties. Everyone has heard of Cabernet Sauvignon and Dom Perignon (discover the brand here), but fewer of us know about the craft that goes into producing these incredible wines.
The winemaking process is made up of several distinct stages. Once the wine has been made from the grapes, it is stored in large barrels. However, these barrels do much more than serve as mere storage vessels; they are an integral part of the process and add unique flavour and character to make the wine we all love. For the most part, these barrels are made from oak. Let’s take a closer look at how oak barrels affect wine flavour.
How Does Oak Affect Wine?
The longer wine is exposed to the oak material of a barrel, the more of an effect the wood is going to have. High-quality wines do not have additives for flavour. Instead, all of the flavours will come from the grapes themselves and the character imparted by the oak barrels.
As the wine and the oak mix together, the wine will be infused with a range of new flavours, including cloves, smoke, and vanilla. Oak barrels also allow oxygen to slowly filter inside, which can smooth out the wine and make it less sharp. Additionally, oak barrels are the perfect environment for metabolic reactions, which gives the wine a fuller, creamier taste.
Furthermore, sugars in the oak’s hemicellulose structure can impart roasted caramel flavours, making wines taste incredibly rich and complex.
Oak Treatments
Before being used to store wine, oak can be treated in different ways, with each method affecting the way in which the oak influences the wine.
The origin of the oak can make a big difference. Oaks from America tend to impart more flavours, while French oak can make for a stronger, more full-bodied palate. Oaks can also be dried or roasted to varying degrees to change how they will react when used to store wine.
The size of the barrel can also have an effect. Wine stored in small oak barrels will absorb more of the wood’s character, as more of the wine comes into contact with the material.
How Long are Wines Kept in Oak?
There is no hard and fast rule that says how long wine should be kept in an oak barrel. However, most wines are generally stored in oak for between six to 18 months. Every wine will use a different time frame. For example, Chardonnay will be stored in oak for 13 months, while Pinot Noir will be stored for 10 months.
It takes time for the oak to begin imparting its flavours into the wine, several months at least, which is why wine is kept in these barrels for so long.
Conclusion
Many people don’t realise that wine is kept in oak barrels, but the practice plays a significant role in giving wine the flavour and richness we all love. Whether it’s for six months or 18 months, oak barrel storage is a fundamental part of the winemaking process.