Maturation vessels Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the key ways maturation vessels influence tannin development?
Through oxygen ingress, interaction with vessel material (e.g. wood tannins), vessel size and surface area, aging duration, and lees contact.
What is the difference between grape-derived tannins and oak-derived tannins?
Grape tannins come from skins, seeds, and stems. Oak-derived tannins (ellagitannins) come from the wood and can integrate with grape tannins to alter mouthfeel and stability.
How does oak influence tannin development?
Oak allows slow oxygen ingress, contributing to polymerization and softening of tannins, while adding ellagitannins and structural complexity.
How does oak toasting level affect tannins?
Light toast preserves more tannins, while heavy toast breaks them down and contributes more flavor than structure.
How does vessel size affect tannin development in oak?
Smaller barrels (e.g. 225 L) have higher surface area to volume ratios, promoting greater oxygen exchange and more oak contact, leading to more pronounced tannin evolution.
What’s the impact of using old oak vs new oak?
New oak contributes more tannins and flavor; old oak is more neutral and mainly allows micro-oxygenation.
Name three common oak types and their characteristics:
French oak: tight grain, subtle tannins, refined structure. American oak: looser grain, robust tannins/flavor. Slavonian oak: gentle tannin influence, low flavor impact.
How does concrete affect tannin development?
Its micro-porosity allows gentle oxygen ingress, helping polymerize and soften tannins without imparting flavor.
Why is concrete often used for Grenache or Rhône varietals?
It enhances mouthfeel and preserves varietal expression while softening naturally firm tannins.
How do concrete eggs influence wine aging?
Their shape encourages natural convection, keeping lees in suspension, enhancing texture and softening tannins.
How does stainless steel impact tannin evolution?
It is inert and airtight—no oxygen ingress—so tannins remain firmer unless modified with micro-oxygenation.
What style of red wine is stainless steel best suited for?
Fruit-driven, early-drinking styles where freshness and primary fruit are prioritized over tannin development.
How can winemakers adjust tannin texture when using stainless steel?
By using micro-oxygenation or blending with wines matured in more oxidative vessels.
What are the tannin effects of aging in amphora or terracotta?
Amphorae offer gentle oxygenation like concrete, leading to subtle softening of tannins without adding flavor.
How do glass or wine globes influence tannins?
They are inert and fully reductive—preserve tannin structure unless modified through other means (e.g. blending).
How can a winemaker blend vessel types to fine-tune tannins?
By aging portions of wine in different vessels and blending before bottling to balance structure, softness, and flavor.
Why is maturation vessel choice particularly important for wines destined for aging?
Because tannin evolution over time contributes significantly to mouthfeel and stability in long-lived wines.
