Some of the most captivating and celebrated wines around the world are made with oak aging. Cabernets of Napa Valley, Grand Gru White Burgundy, Bordeaux, Brunello… the list goes on. Consistently the most sought after rare wines, as well as wines scored favorably by critics, have all utilized oak aging in some capacity. This widespread global desire for oak characteristics has also trickled down to the everyday affordable wines. Many of these wines at low price points achieve the influence of oak aging with alternative and more affordable methods than barrel aging.
What started as a suitable solution for transportation also had a positive effect on wine. Winemakers began to notice the oak barrels had a pleasurable impact on the wine. Oak aging allows for an extremely slow integration of oxygen, which gradually softens the wine. This process improves the flavor of many wines and also contributes great structural qualities, such as tannins imparted from the wood. Logically, if the wine spends more time in barrel, the resulting oak-influenced flavors are stronger. Plus, different levels of oak toasting results in various flavors, such as spices, caramel, and vanilla. Overall, a more complex product with improved flavor and greater aging potential led towards an industry wide shift toward oak-aging.
#winelover #winecollector #wineenthusiast #winecollection #finewines #temperaturecontrol #winecave #winetime #winelife #luxurywine #oenophile #sommelier #rarewines #wine #redwine #whitewine #rosewhine #thewinerymap #winerymap #winery #topwineries #bestwineries #wineries #winetime #winestagram #wineillusion