The Influence of Winemaking Vessels on History and Perception

Estimated read time 3 min read

Concrete egg or oak barrel? Stainless steel wine tanks or clay amphora? How much impact does the choice of winemaking vessel truly have when it comes to fermenting and aging fine wine? This is a question that delves into the historical and romantic aspects of winemaking.

While the size and shape of the container may play a role, especially with techniques like punch-down for maceration, the most plausible difference arises between stainless steel and materials like concrete or wood.

Tradition, Romanticism, and the Words of a Winemaker

Winemaking has always been inclined to accentuate the romantic and historic elements. The conversation with winemakers, where they expressed frustration about changes in winemaking, highlights the strong connection winemakers feel to tradition. The sentiment, “I make wine just like my father did and just like his father did. Nothing has changed,” reflects the reverence for tradition in winemaking.

Tradition in Winemaking: Contrasts Between Europe and the New World

While laying claim to tradition is common in Europe, it’s not as prevalent in the New World, particularly in contrast to the industrial winemaking practices of large brands. However, tradition is an integral part of the wine industry, even in wines produced with modern methods that claim oak influence. The question arises: should oak barriques still be considered the best means of maturing wine in today’s landscape?

The Evolution of Oak’s Role in Winemaking

Associating oak with quality has deep roots in winemaking, but this connection didn’t start that way. Originally, oak barrels were chosen for their practicality in transportation due to their shape and manual labor-friendly size. Over time, it was discovered that oak not only facilitated transport but also had a significant impact on wine maturation, especially with the widespread use of new oak. The belief that new oak signifies quality persists, but there’s a recent trend toward older oak and even a revisionist movement embracing amphorae over traditional barrels.

The Influence of Container Material on Fermentation

When we go back to the initial stages of the winemaking process, there’s a lack of clear evidence regarding whether the type of container used has a significant impact on fermentation. While the size and shape of the container may play a role, especially with techniques like punch-down for maceration, the most plausible difference arises between stainless steel and materials like concrete or wood. Stainless steel, lacking inherent insulation properties, requires cooling coils for temperature control, potentially creating a more abrupt temperature gradient within the liquid.

Producers’ beliefs in stainless steel allowing electrostatic interactions to influence wine lack substantial proof. Concrete, often chosen for its insulating properties, occasionally prompts claims of oxygen transmission, though its significant impact remains doubtful. Wood, favored for romantic reasons, is believed by some to lead to better-integrated wine, yet again, evidence supporting this view is lacking. The turbulent nature of fermentation raises questions about the major differences these container effects might make, which could explain the use of various container types during fermentation without implying a specific impact on quality.

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