The role of barrel aging in wine making
It is a common misconception that wine is made completely in the vineyard. Yes, the fruit is grown there, and wine grapes are a very delicate product, as anyone who has ever stepped on one can attest. But once the wine grapes are picked, the real magic of wine making begins. And a big part of that magic happens in the wine barrel.
Wine barrels are usually made of oak, although there are now barrels made of all sorts of different woods, from acacia to cherry. The shape of the barrel is also important, and wine barrels can be either round or oval. But no matter the shape or wood, wine barrels all have one thing in common: they are all porous.
The porosity of wine barrels is key to the barrel aging process. As wine sits in a barrel, small amounts of oxygen seep in through the wood. This oxygenation is a good thing, as it allows the wine to develop and mature. If a wine is not exposed to oxygen, it will not be able to develop complex flavor profiles.
In addition to oxygen, wine barrels also impart other flavors to the wine. This is why wine makers will often use barrels that have been previously used to age other wines, as the residual flavors can add an extra layer of complexity to the finished product. Wine barrels can also be toasted, or burned, on the inside. This adds even more flavor to the wine, and can be used to alter the flavor profile of a wine in specific ways.
Barrel aging is not a quick process. It can take months, or even years, for a wine to properly develop in a barrel. But the results are worth the wait. A well-aged wine will have beautiful flavors that are impossible to achieve with any other method..View now
how to store wine made from grapes
When it comes to storing wine made from grapes, the most important thing is to keep the wine in a cool, dark place. Ideally, wine should be stored at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of about 60%. Here are a few tips for storing your wine:
1. If you plan on storing your wine for more than a few weeks, invest in a wine fridge. This will help ensure that your wine stays at a consistent temperature, which is key to keeping it fresh.
2. If you don’t have a wine fridge, you can store your wine in a cool, dark closet. Just be sure to check the temperature and humidity levels periodically to make sure they’re still ideal for storing wine.
3. Another option for storing wine is in a wine cellar. If you have the space, this is definitely the best way to store wine, as it will keep your wine at a consistent temperature and humidity level.
4. When storing wine, be sure to store it in a wine glass or decanter. This will help prevent the wine from coming into contact with oxygen, which can cause it to spoil.
5. Finally, when storing wine, don’t forget to label it. This will help you keep track of how long it’s been since you opened the bottle, and will also help you keep track of what kind of wine it is.
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