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Oak barrel aging for wines 

Oaky wines captivate enthusiasts with their distinctive character and charming aromas.Whether this aging method is used for red wines, white wines or rosés, it can indeed enhance the cuvées and make them richer and more complex.

Aging in barrels allows several aromas to be imparted to the wine, which can be more or less intense depending on various factors such as the type of wood used, its origin (American oak or French oak, for example), the age of the barrels, or the degree of toasting of the barrels. Thus, the most common notes found in an oaked wine will be oak, a smoky or toasted character, as well as numerous spices such as clove, pepper, vanilla, or even coconut.

Moreover, since wood is a porous material, the wine contained in a barrel is inevitably in (measured) contact with oxygen. This addition will generally give the wine a rounder and denser texture, also softening the tannins in red wines and imparting buttery or brioche aromas to white wines aged on their lees.

Given the impact that barrel aging can have, it is therefore very important for a winemaker to carefully measure this contribution so that it brings additional complexity and highlights existing aromas. Otherwise, the oak influence will simply become too dominant, at the risk of unbalancing the wine’s aromatic profile... although, ultimately, this is a matter of personal taste!

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Although no generalization should be made, certain regions and appellations are known for more commonly aging their wines in barrels than others.

Thus, the Bordeaux region, for example, is famous for its red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot as well as its white wines produced from Sauvignon and Sémillon, featuring a woody aromatic profile.

We can also mention Burgundy and its famous grape varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the latter of which are regularly aged in barrels.

In Spain, the appellations Rioja and Ribera del Duero are also renowned for their oaked red wines made from the Tempranillo grape variety.

Finally, many cuvées from Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Southwest as well as from Provence also undergo this type of aging.

Now that you know everything about the usefulness of wood and its advantages, all that’s left is to make your choice from this beautiful selection of oaked wines ! And above all, if you need any advice, don’t hesitate to contact us directly La Cave Éclairée !