WHAT IS BARREL FERMENTATION?
Barrel fermentation is a winemaking technique in which grape juice (must) is fermented into wine inside oak barrels, rather than in inert stainless-steel tanks. The barrels are usually made of oak and are typically 53-59 gallons in size, although larger ones are used occasionally. It's thought to imbue wine with rich creamy flavors, delicate oak characteristics, and better aging capabilities.
The benefits of barrel fermentation are many:
Flavor Integration
- Oak barrels allow subtle extraction of oak-derived compounds—vanillin (vanilla), lactones (coconut, spice), and tannins—during fermentation, integrating those flavors more fully than post fermentation aging alone.
Micro Oxidation
Barrels are slightly porous. Small amounts of oxygen seep in during fermentation and aging, which can:
- Temper harsh tannins and phenolics.
- Promote development of complex, rounded mouthfeel.
- Stabilize color in red wines.
Temperature Control
Barrel fermentation typically proceeds at slightly warmer, more stable temperatures compared to stainless steel, which can:
- Enhance extraction of color and phenolics in reds.
- Encourage richness and texture in whites.
Texture and Mouthfeel
- The combination of yeast residues interaction and oak tannins often produces a creamier, fuller-bodied texture, especially in whites like Chardonnay.
☆Related Stories
Winemaking
WHAT IS BALANCE IN WINE?
Balance in wine is created when all the components-acidity, sweetness, tannins, alcohol, fruit, and body-are in perfect harmony. In a well-balanced wine, none of these elements overpowers another. The perfect balance in a particular wine depends on its origin and style. A well balanced wine feels integrated and seamless on the palate. Balanced wines are generally more enjoyable and easier to drink, as no single element distracts from the overall experience. Well balanced wines tend to age more gracefully because their components develop in harmony over time. While not the only measure of quality, balance is often a hallmark of thoughtful viticulture and winemaking.
Winemaking
DISCOVER OUR GRAPES
At Make Wine With Us, our goal is to obtain grapes from the very best grape growing regions of the world. The varietals from regions in California, Italy, and Chile represent some of the finest grapes known to winemakers. You will find grapes varying in body, acidity, and tannins. Let us help you find the perfect grape to fit your palate, from full-bodied reds to crisp white wines. Our objective is to assist you, our winemaker, in turning those grapes into wines you’ll continuously enjoy!
Winemaking
CALIFORNIA GRAPES
Raise your glass to our California grapes! Procured from the Mediterranean climate and sandy soil of Lodi, in Central Valley, to the rich soil of Amador County in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, discover varietals from Barbera to Tempranillo. These grapes are aromatic, fruit-forward, and perfect for pressing during the fall harvest.
Winemaking
ITALIAN JUICES
Italian juices, made from premium grapes, produce extraordinary wines. Varietals include Brunello, Dolcetto, Lambrusco, Black Malvasia, Meritage, Montepulciano, and Valpolicella. Additionally, popular white wine varietals are available. Choices abound!
Winemaking
SPRING REGION: CHILE
As spring enters the northern hemisphere it is harvest time in the southern hemisphere! Most of Chile’s premium wine regions acquire water from the melting snow caps of the Andes Mountains. And, with diverse soil composition, Chilean grapes grow in granite rich soil that’s perfect for award-winning reds.
Winemaking
Learn More About Our Spring Regions: Chile
For value conscious connoisseurs looking for a great wine, they need to look no further than Chile. With diverse soil composition, Chilean grapes grow in granite rich alluvial soil that’s perfect for award-winning reds. Join us to learn more about this region and why your next spring pressing may just be from Chile.
