Since Roman times when oak barrels were originally used to
transport wine, oak has been used in the wine making process. It
enhances the taste and texture of wine in a manner similar to the way
the use of spices enhances the flavor of foods. And, like all
condiments, should be used sparingly.
Why is oak preferable? Some
other woods, chestnut for example, are high in undesirable resins and
oils. Some, like pine, are too porous. Oak is not only low in porosity,
it can be bent into rounded shapes easily. Oak brings various aromatic
qualities to the wine. Those aromas include vanilla,...
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Winemaking: Oak Barrels and Wine
Many of us know that most quality wines are matured in oak
barrels. But the question is why? What are the benefits and
disadvantages?
Aging wine in barrels has been used by wine makers
for many years now. After the alcoholic fermentation is finished, the
wine is getting rack to remove the heavier lees, the young wine is
usually harsh, raw and "green" and needs time to settle. The aging
process is usually done in neutral containers such as stainless steel,
cement vats, old large casks, etc. or in new or used wood barrels which
are not neutral, but will help developing wine.
The...
Enjoying The Taste Of Chianti Classico Wine
by Valeria Zavadnikova
Wine is one
of those alcoholic drinks which can add subtle glamour to any party or
occasion. With numerous varieties available in the market, it is easy to
get confused about the best blend and aroma. Depending on the type of
grape used, region of production, alcohol content, etc. Wine can be
classified into various types.
Each region has its own criteria for
categorizing their wine. The taste of the wine is influenced by factors
such as the terroir, grape type and quality, method of production, age
of wine and so on. Wine can also be made using other fruits such...
A Wine Lover's Near-Weekly Review Of $15 Wines - An Organic French Red Blend
Today's wine is an organic offering from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southeastern France. The winery was founded in 1993 by a winegrower and a trade union official. Their 44 hectare (about 110 acre) vineyard is situated about 15 kilometers (some 10 miles) southwest of Perpignon, between the sea and the mountains. Unfortunately their website is French language only but they do provide detailed wine data sheets. If you are lucky enough to be in the neighborhood stop by the Abbaye de Saint-Martin du Canigou Romanesque monastery built in 1007. The site is ultra-spectacular and you may not...
Penfolds Grange - Australia's Most Famous Wine
Penfolds Grange is Australia's most famous wine; it is National Trust Heritage listed and is the quintessential collectable Australian wine. An unbroken sequence of vintages since its creation in 1951, controversy, hidden vintages, traditional and uncompromising wine making practices, hype, speculation and curiosity makes Penfolds Grange a wine a collectors dream.
Penfolds Grange was first made in 1951 by its founder and creator Max Schubert who toured Europe in 1950 and returned to the Barossa Valley to make a wine that would rival the finest Bordeaux wines in quality and ageing. The first...