Yes, you can age wines that have been aged in glass-lined tanks. While glass-lined tanks are not as commonly used for aging wines as traditional oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, they can still be effective for aging certain types of wines. In this article, we will explore the process of aging wines in glass-lined tanks, the impact it has on the wine, and whether the wines can continue to age once they are bottled.
How are wines aged in glass-lined tanks?
Aging wines in glass-lined tanks involves storing the wine in large tanks made of glass-lined steel. These tanks provide a neutral storage environment that allows the wine to develop and mature without being influenced by outside flavors or aromas. The glass lining helps to maintain a consistent temperature and protects the wine from oxidation, which can impact the aging process.
Impact of aging in glass-lined tanks
Wines aged in glass-lined tanks typically have a different profile compared to wines aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. The neutral environment of the glass-lined tanks allows the natural flavors and aromas of the wine to shine through, without being overpowered by oak or other external influences. Some of the key impacts of aging wines in glass-lined tanks include:
- Preservation of fruit flavors: Glass-lined tanks preserve the natural fruit flavors of the wine, allowing them to develop and evolve over time.
- Softening of tannins: Tannins, which can contribute to the structure and mouthfeel of a wine, tend to soften more gradually in glass-lined tanks compared to oak barrels.
- Enhanced acidity: Glass-lined tanks can help to preserve the wine’s acidity, which can contribute to its freshness and aging potential.
- Purity of aromas: The neutral environment of glass-lined tanks allows the wine’s aromas to remain pure and focused, without any interference from external influences.
Can wines aged in glass-lined tanks continue to age in the bottle?
Once wines aged in glass-lined tanks are bottled, they can continue to age and develop in the bottle, just like wines aged in other types of containers. The aging process in the bottle is different from aging in tanks, as it involves a slower maturation of the wine due to the limited exposure to oxygen and other external factors. Some key factors that can influence the aging potential of wines aged in glass-lined tanks include:
- Tannin structure: Wines with a solid tannin structure tend to have better aging potential, regardless of the container they were aged in.
- Acidity levels: Wines with higher acidity levels tend to age more gracefully and develop more complex flavors over time.
- Alcohol content: Wines with higher alcohol content may have a longer aging potential, as the alcohol can act as a preservative and help the wine evolve over time.
- Storage conditions: Proper storage of bottled wines, including consistent temperature and humidity levels, is essential to ensure that the wines age well and develop in a desirable manner.
Factors to consider when aging wines in glass-lined tanks
While aging wines in glass-lined tanks can produce unique and high-quality results, there are some factors to consider to ensure that the wines age well and develop in a desirable manner:
- Wine variety: Certain wine varieties may benefit more from aging in glass-lined tanks than others. It is important to consider the characteristics of the wine and how they may be influenced by the aging process.
- Aging time: The length of time that a wine is aged in a glass-lined tank can vary depending on the desired flavor profile and structure of the wine. It is essential to monitor the wine regularly to determine when it is ready for bottling.
- Temperature control: Maintaining a consistent temperature in the glass-lined tank is crucial to ensure that the wine ages properly and does not experience any unwanted fluctuations that could impact its quality.
- Oxygen exposure: While glass-lined tanks provide a more neutral environment compared to oak barrels, some oxygen exposure is still necessary for the aging process to occur. It is important to strike a balance between oxygen exposure and protection from oxidation.