The act of aging and maturation is a crucial phase in the production of red wine. It is here that young wine, resulting from fermentation, acquires complexity, aromas and structure. This stage takes place in oak barrels or stainless steel vats, and can last from a few months to several years. Let’s dive into this founding act of winemaking.
Transfer to Drums or Tanks
After fermentation, the wine is transferred to oak barrels or stainless steel tanks for the aging stage. The choice of container influences the final character of the wine. The oak barrels provide woody aromas and a velvety texture, while the stainless steel vats preserve the freshness and purity of the aromas.
The Refined Character of Aging in Stainless Steel Tanks
For wines that require the freshness of fruit aromas to be highlighted, aging in stainless steel vats is preferred. These vats preserve the purity of the natural flavors of the grapes. Aging in vats is generally shorter than that in oak barrels.
The Subtle Woody Character of the Wine
In oak barrels, the wine comes into contact with the wood. It slowly absorbs aromatic compounds from oak, such as vanilla, spices and toasted notes. This contributes to the complexity and depth of the wine.
Micro-Oxygenation
Aging in barrels allows micro-oxygenation of the wine. Small amounts of oxygen come into contact with the liquid through the pores of the wood. This promotes the evolution of tannins and the stabilization of aromatic compounds.
Aging in Lees
Some wines remain in contact with their lees, that is to say the deposits of yeast and grape particles, during aging. This brings a richer, creamier texture to the wine, as well as aromas of brioche and hazelnut.
Careful Monitoring of the Winegrower
The winemaker closely monitors the development of the wine during this period. He tastes regularly to assess the balance between the woody aromas, tannins and fruity characteristics of the wine. He decides the optimal time to end breeding.
The Duration of Wine Aging
The length of time the wine is aged depends on the style of wine desired. Lighter wines may only spend a few months there, while wines for aging can remain in barrels for several years.
The Final Wine Blend
After aging, the winemaker can choose to blend different batches of wine to create the final vintage. Each batch brings its own characteristics and contributes to the overall balance of the wine. However, it is important to note that this assembly can also be carried out before the breeding process, as this diagram clearly demonstrates.
Aging and maturation allow the wine to shape itself, develop its personality and gain complexity. It is a decisive stage where time, the container and the know-how of the winemaker combine to create an exceptional wine. Each vintage is the fruit of this meticulous attention and patience, ready to be tasted and appreciated.
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