Best Oaked Red Wine
Worth Every Penny
The best oaked red wine can bring out the most delicious flavors
and many agree that it is worth the higher price. The most noticeable
flavor that oak imparts is vanilla and often results in a softer texture
to the red wine. The
best oaked red wine
is one from a
red wine grape
with a high tannin content such as:
* Bordeaux Reds (France)
* California Cabernet Sauvignon
* Barolo and Barbaresco and Chianti Classico (Italy)
* Ports (Portugal)
What are the options that winemakers need to consider when
aging
their red wine. Well, one of the most important is where will the aging of the wine take place.
There are two basic methods of red wine aging and they are fermentation in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels.
Stainless Steel Fermentation
Stainless
steel tank come in many versions. There are basic models in which the
tank simply acts as a housing possibly lined with oak chips. Then there
are other stainless steel tanks that can control the wine temperature
as it ferments giving a much more controlled and successful final
product.
The final wine can be less
tannic
and more fruit forward and smooth. The more intricate stainless steel
tanks can be much more costly and result in a more expensive red wine.
Although these tanks can give winemakers some piece of mind as they
have a greater control over the wine it does take away from the beauty
and European flair one envisions in the wine making process.
Red Wine Aging In Oak Barrels:
One
of the most noticeable flavors in red wine is that of oak. For
centuries, oak barrels were the only way that wine was stored. While
doing this, it was found to impart a flavor to the wine that became a
preference to many wine drinkers.
Brand new oak barrels
can cost around $1000.00 and only hold approximately 60 gallons. This
process of fermentation can be much more costly when you consider how
many wine barrels a winemaker would need compared to the stainless steel
tank that can hold far more. The best oaked red wine takes time and
that means higher costs involved in the winemaking process and
ultimately a more expensive red wine.
But it can be worth every penny!
