16.7 Barrel Maturation for White Wines

Question 1

Name 3 ways barrel maturation adds costs.

Answer 1

1) Barrels are expensive
Process of maturing wine in small barrels:
2) Logistics
3) Labour

Question 2

What style of white wine is best suited for barrel maturation?

Answer 2

1) Premium and super premium wines

Question 3

Name a varietal that is often matured in small oak barrels. Why is this done?

Answer 3

Low aromatic varieties such as Chardonnay. This can bring texture and complexity of flavours and aromas.

Question 4

Why is barrel maturation not suited for aromatic grapes like Riesling?

Answer 4

Vanilla and toasty flavours from the oak and nutty flavours from slow oxidative ageing are not desirable.

Question 5

Why is barrel maturation not suitable for inexpensive wines?

Answer 5

Barrels are too expensive and will make the wine too expensive for its desired price point.

Question 6

How can oak flavours be added during the maturation phase?

Answer 6

Staves or chips.