Red: Maturation in Wooden Vessels

Question 1

Which style of red wines is oak maturation likely to be performed on?

Answer 1

• mid-priced to expensive reds

Question 2

How can spicy oak flavors be created in cheap red wines?

Answer 2

• oak staves and chips can be added to the wine while maturing in SS tanks

Question 3

How long will mid-market to premium wines be matured in oak vessels for?

Answer 3

• between 6 months and 2 years

Question 4

What is the purpose of using new oak barrels for maturation?

Answer 4

• increase the complexity of the wine by giving flavors of vanilla, cloves, etc.

Question 5

Apart from oak flavor, what other effects do oak barrels have on wine?

Answer 5

• gentle oxidation
• soften tannins
• development of tertiary character

Question 6

When would a winemaker choose not to use oak to produce high quality red wine?

Answer 6

• when the focus is on primary aromas and flavors of wines
• e.g. unoaked Cab Franc from the Loiire, Spanish Mencia, and Argentine Malbec