Ever wondered why some wines have a buttery or vanilla flavour, and why others are all about bright fresh fruit flavours?
The secret lies in the oak. Understanding the term 'oaked' or 'oaky' can help you make better wine choices.
What Does Oaked Mean?
Oaked wine refers to wine that has been aged in oak barrels, which impart unique flavours and characteristics. American oak tends to impart stronger and sweeter flavours like vanilla and coconut, while French oak offers more subtle and savoury notes of spice and toast.
The Impact of Oak on Wine
Flavour Profile: Oak aging can add flavours such as vanilla, clove, smoke, and caramel, enhancing the complexity of the wine.
Texture and Tannins: Oak barrels allow micro-oxygenation, which softens tannins and can give the wine a smoother, creamier texture.
Oak VsTank Aging
While oak barrels are traditional, stainless steel tanks offer a modern alternative for aging wine.
1. Flavour and Aroma
Oak: Oak aging imparts flavors of vanilla, spice, and smoke, which can enhance the complexity of the wine.
Tank: Stainless steel tanks preserve the wine’s original fruit flavors and freshness, resulting in a crisp, clean taste.
2. Impact on Wine Texture
Oak: Oak barrels allow for micro-oxygenation, softening tannins and giving the wine a smoother texture.
Tank: Stainless steel tanks do not alter the texture, maintaining the wine’s natural mouthfeel.
3. Cost and Durability
Oak: Oak barrels are expensive and need to be replaced every few years, adding to production costs.
Tank: Stainless steel tanks are more cost-effective and durable, requiring less frequent replacement. The also cater for much larger volumes of wine.
Examples of Oaked Wines
White Wines: Oaked Chardonnay is known for its buttery, vanilla notes and full-bodied texture. When you see descriptive words which are not fresh fruit flavours, it generally means the wine has spent time in oak.
Red Wines: Reds aged in oak barrels often exhibits flavours of spice, smoke, and dark chocolate. They will have a dry texture and heavier mouthfeel.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Oaked Wine
Benefits: Oak can add complexity, improve aging potential, and enhance mouthfeel.
Drawbacks: Excessive oaking can overpower the wine’s natural fruit flavors and add extra cost.
Getting to know oaked wine can really enhance your wine selection and tasting experience, letting you enjoy the rich layers of flavour and texture that oak aging brings.