Can wine be aged in concrete?

Can wine be aged in concrete?

But in recent years, influential wineries across the state have been experimenting with concrete. As concrete-raised wines—wines fermented and/or aged in concrete tanks—begin to hit the market, early experiments are yielding splendid results. Concrete has a long history of use in European wineries.

Is there a way to age wine faster?

Nowadays, gamma irradiation, ultrasonic waves, AC electric field and micro- oxygenation are the new techniques for wine aging. Gamma irradiation (after fermentation) is accelerated physical maturation method.

What do concrete tanks do for wine?

It’s a natural insulator and will stabilize the temperature of whatever is inside of it. This stability makes for a smooth and gradual fermentation, because there are no temperature spikes to make the yeast become aggressive. For the same reason, concrete is also ideal for storing and aging wines.

What is the best way to age wine?

Store and age your wine in a dark and mainly undisturbed place with a reasonably constant temperature. Wine should be aged in darkness because light can create some unwanted results in your wine. It is thought that light–which often coincides with heat–can alter the natural aging process of wine by oxidizing it.

Which wines are aged in concrete?

“We feel that using concrete encourages an energetic mouthfeel and lively texture in our wines,” says Kelly Koch, winemaker at Macari Wines in Long Island, N.Y. She uses four concrete eggs, predominantly for Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, in addition to experiments with Chardonnay and Syrah.

Are concrete wine tanks lined?

There are many hundreds (if not thousands) of wineries in Europe that would not exist if it were not for row upon row of concrete tanks. These tanks, however, are not egg-shaped or treated in the same way. They are generally epoxy lined and fill the winery from floor to ceiling.

How do you age wine without a cellar?

The most effective way to age wine without a cellar is by buying an electric aging unit. These appliances function very much like refrigerators, and offer precise control of temperature and humidity conditions. A chief downside to these units is their hefty price tag.

Can you age wine in a refrigerator?

While aging in a cellar is best, for most that is unattainable. Storing wines in a refrigerator specifically designed for wine works just as well.

What does a concrete egg do to wine?

Egg-Shaped Excellence “The convex shape of the concrete eggs also encourages natural lees suspension to fill out the body of the wine and soften the acidity,” she says. ( Lees refer to the dead, leftover yeast from fermentation.)

How much does a concrete wine tank cost?

They cost about $12,000, including shipping to wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties. The company lightened the tank by making two eggs in one. Inside is traditional concrete, cast smooth with Portland cement, chlorine-free water and local sand and gravel.

Can you age wine at room temperature?

Wine can be aged at room temperature but it is not recommended for serious collections as it can prematurely age the wine. This is less likely if the other conditions are ideal: consistent temperatures, about 70% humidity, no direct sunlight, and no vibrations.

What is the best temperature to age wine?

55° F
Temperatures higher than 70° F will age a wine more quickly than is usually desirable. And if it gets much hotter, your wine may get “cooked,” resulting in flat aromas and flavors. The ideal temperature range is between 45° F and 65° F (and 55° F is often cited as close to perfect), though this isn’t an exact science.

Why do people cover eggs in concrete?

This has the effect of softening tannins, creating a richer body and developing more complex flavours. A similar effect is achieved through barrel ageing, but concrete doesn’t impart the same oaky flavours of vanilla, spice and toast.

What is a concrete egg in wine making?

Egg-Shaped Excellence ( Lees refer to the dead, leftover yeast from fermentation.) “For me, concrete eggs are mainly about the shape, and the impact that has on the wine inside,” says Tony Bish of Tony Bish Wines and The Urban Winery in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

How much is a concrete egg?

Bare cost and unquantifiable cool Ehlers, which uses Sonoma Cast Stone, shells out around $14,000 for a concrete egg with a 470-gallon capacity. A 60-gallon French puncheon, meanwhile costs $1000, and a stainless steel tank (3 tons) costs about $13,000.

Can wine be stored in a basement?

Most people know that the basement is the ideal place to store their wine. It’s usually cool, dark and damp, but don’t take these conditions for granted. If your basement is not completely underground, store your wines against a subterranean wall.