10/12/05 Oak barrels in winemaking

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today we are going to we are going to have a brief discussion of the oak barrel in winemaking. Before the advent of glass, plastic and stainless steel as vessels, wooden barrels stored most everything. As we have evolved our packaging skills, we have left the cumbersome barrel behind. However, when it comes to making wine the oak barrel is still one of the most attractive vessels. Although, we do not entirely understand why, Oak has evolved as the wood of choice for wine aging. The impact of different types of oak on wine is an ongoing study. What we have discerned is that aging wine in an oak barrel allows it the most natural way of becoming stable and clear. The additional impact that the oak has upon the wine is from flavors that are leeched from the wood.French oak seems to be most sought after and carries the highest price. It seems as though even if the export of French wine has diminished the demand for French oak has only increased, and they are exporting barrels to wineries throughout the world. American oak is one that you might recognize in many red wines as it imparts a rather obvious sweet vanilla character. Currently wine consumers are having a love affair with oak but remember it is expensive and if not used with restraint it will affect the wine ability to age gracefully. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.