Yes, you can age wine in non-traditional containers like clay amphorae. While oak barrels are the most commonly used vessels for aging wine, clay amphorae have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their ability to impart unique flavors and textures to the wine.
Benefits of aging wine in clay amphorae
- Neutral vessel: Clay is a neutral material, meaning it does not impart any additional flavors to the wine. This allows the true characteristics of the wine to shine through.
- Breathability: Clay is porous, allowing for a small amount of oxygen to interact with the wine. This can help soften the tannins and improve the overall structure of the wine.
- Temperature control: Clay has natural insulating properties, which helps regulate the temperature inside the vessel. This can lead to a more stable aging process.
- Micro-oxygenation: The porous nature of clay allows for micro-oxygenation, which can help develop complex flavors and aromas in the wine.
Challenges of aging wine in clay amphorae
- Porosity: While the porosity of clay can be beneficial for aging wine, it can also be a challenge as it may lead to evaporation and oxidation if not properly monitored.
- Weight: Clay amphorae can be heavy and fragile, making them more difficult to handle and store compared to traditional oak barrels.
- Cost: Clay amphorae can be more expensive than oak barrels, which may be a deterrent for smaller wineries or producers.
- Size limitations: Clay amphorae come in a limited range of sizes, which may not be suitable for all winemaking needs.
Best practices for aging wine in clay amphorae
When aging wine in clay amphorae, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure the best possible results:
- Cleaning and preparation: Before using a clay amphora, it is essential to clean and sterilize it to remove any impurities that may affect the wine.
- Filling and topping off: It is important to fill the clay amphora completely to minimize the amount of air contact with the wine. Topping off regularly can also help prevent oxidation.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the wine in the clay amphora to check for any signs of evaporation, oxidation, or other issues that may arise.
- Storage: Store the clay amphorae in a cool, dark place away from fluctuations in temperature and humidity to ensure the wine ages properly.
Examples of wines aged in clay amphorae
Many wineries around the world are experimenting with aging wine in clay amphorae to create unique and distinctive products. Here are some examples of wines that have been successfully aged in clay:
- Georgian qvevri wines: Georgia is known for its traditional winemaking method using large clay vessels called qvevris. These wines are aged underground, allowing for natural temperature control and fermentation.
- Italian amphora wines: Some Italian winemakers are using clay amphorae to age their wines, particularly in regions like Sicily and Tuscany. These wines often have a distinct earthy and mineral character.
- Spanish tinaja wines: In Spain, some winemakers are aging wines in tinajas, large clay vessels similar to amphorae. These wines typically have a fresh and vibrant character.