Yes, you can age wines that have undergone aging in concrete tanks with different porosities. The porosity of the concrete can have an impact on the aging process and the final characteristics of the wine. Let’s explore this in more detail.
Effects of concrete porosity on wine aging
Concrete tanks are gaining popularity in the winemaking industry due to their ability to impart unique flavors and textures to the wine. The porosity of the concrete plays a crucial role in this process. Here are some effects of concrete porosity on wine aging:
- Air exchange: The porosity of the concrete can influence the level of air exchange during the aging process. This can affect the development of flavors and aromas in the wine.
- Oxygen interaction: Oxygen plays a vital role in the aging of wine. The porosity of the concrete can determine how much oxygen is allowed to interact with the wine, impacting its aging potential.
- Micro-oxygenation: Concrete with higher porosity can facilitate micro-oxygenation, a process that can soften tannins and enhance the wine’s overall complexity.
Concrete porosities and aging potential
The porosity of the concrete can vary depending on factors such as the type of concrete used, the manufacturing process, and the age of the tank. Here’s how different porosities can affect the aging potential of wines:
- Low porosity: Concrete tanks with low porosity may offer less oxygen interaction, resulting in slower aging and preservation of primary fruit flavors.
- High porosity: On the other hand, concrete tanks with high porosity can accelerate the aging process by allowing more oxygen exchange, leading to faster development of secondary and tertiary aromas.
- Moderate porosity: Tanks with moderate porosity strike a balance between the two extremes, offering a controlled level of oxygen interaction for a more balanced aging process.
Factors to consider when aging wines in concrete tanks
When aging wines in concrete tanks with different porosities, several factors need to be taken into account to ensure optimal aging conditions:
- Wine style: The style of wine being aged will influence the choice of concrete tank porosity. For example, red wines may benefit from higher porosity for increased oxygen interaction, while white wines may require lower porosity to preserve freshness.
- Aging time: The desired aging time will also play a role in selecting the appropriate concrete porosity. Longer aging periods may require tanks with higher porosity to facilitate complex flavor development.
- Temperature control: Maintaining consistent temperature levels is crucial during wine aging. Concrete tanks with different porosities may react differently to temperature fluctuations, affecting the aging process.
Case studies on aging wines in concrete tanks
Several wineries have conducted experiments to study the impact of concrete porosity on wine aging. Here are some notable case studies:
- Chateau La Nerthe: This French winery aged their Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines in concrete tanks with varying porosities. They found that wines aged in higher porosity tanks exhibited greater complexity and depth.
- Tablas Creek Vineyard: This California winery compared the aging of Rhône-style wines in low, medium, and high porosity concrete tanks. They observed that wines aged in medium porosity tanks struck a balance between fruit freshness and development of secondary characteristics.