Wine on the Radio - August 29, 2003

Barrel Aging

Wine barrels are one of the most common images of a winery.   But . . . some folks think they're just for effect.   Certainly not the case as Patrick W. Fegan of the Chicago Wine School explains:

"Many wines are placed in oak barrels as an integral part of winemaking.  

After, or as the juice is fermented it's sent into the barrels to mature for a while before being bottled.  

These oak barrels are the perfect place for the wine to come together and soften up some of the harsher components or harder edges.  

While resting in the barrel, some of the woodiness of the oak is picked up by the wine.  

The age of the barrel, the type of oak, how much the barrel is toasted. all effect how much of this woodiness you'll notice.  

Take a sniff of your next glass and look for a hint of vanilla . . . it's a characteristic of French oak barrel aging."

Pop the cork™.

      Listen to the show