Wine Spectator's expert Dr. Vinny answers questions about freezing wine. The French oak has a tough side: a real backbone, and is complex. Some winemakers might barrel-age their wines for only a few months, while others can go a couple of years or more. Most whisky casks are made from either American white oak or European oak. Speaking in broad generalities, French oak barrels are typically more subtle and spicy, offering textures of satin or silk. Could smoke taint in wine be removed by reverse osmosis. American oak gives a softer, sweeter taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, while European oak is spicier and has a stronger wood input. American oak is grown is the forests of Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Oregon. Perhaps Robert deLeuze from SD winery in Carneros, California put it best when he said “In cooking, you use different spices depending on what you are making and what spices you like. We would like to outline the basic differences between the two to help further your understanding of wine, starting first with the importance of oak, the origins of the trees used to make the barrels and finally, the differences in the flavors that these oaks impart on wine. Wine Spectator's expert Dr. Vinny explains how reverse osmosis is used as a tool for …. Do you recommend any wine clubs? The simplest way to describe the differences in French and American oak is to think of them as personalities. French oak is used to age wine and cognac. The differences in flavors imparted by French and American oak barrels The simplest way to describe the differences in French and American oak is to think of them as personalities. © Copyright 2020 Wine Spectator. American barrels tend to be stronger in flavor, often described as cream soda, vanilla, or coconut, resulting in wines with a more creamy texture. There might be wines out there which are aged in the barrels you do not prefer which you end up loving. When you order a barrel, you could very well specify from which forest you wish your barrel to be sourced. Hello there! Some winemakers argue that the American oak barrels “fade” quickly, and after a year or so of use they do not impart the same flavors into the wine that they did during their first year, while the French barrels remain consistent over a few years of use. French oak (particularly Quercus Petraea) is much tighter grained and less dense than the American Quercus Alba. Keep in mind that there are a lot of variables when it comes to oak aging. Another beautiful compromise! And in the American oak, look for those oak and vanilla flavors and aromas which scream “American oak aged”. Some producers use exclusively French or American barrels, while others mix it up. Try to keep them in the same price range as well, if possible. I like to refer to oak barrels as part of the metaphorical spice rack that vintners use to make a wine of their style. French oak mainly comes from the forests of Limousin, Alliers, Vosges, Troncais and Nevers. The same is true of oak in wine.” (DeLeuze uses 100% oak barrels in his Chardonnay, which is an absolutely beautiful wine.) You must taste! Even if a producer uses exclusively French or exclusively American barrels, there are other variables, such as different barrel producers, different levels of toast (the heating of the inside of the barrels), and mixing newer (and therefore stronger) with older (more neutral) barrels. So, when an oak tree falls in an American forest, its impact is … You may or may not be keen to his somewhat boisterous personality, but there would be no denying that he was there, because he definitely makes his presence known. A comparison of French, Hungarian, and American Oaks 02/22/2012. The main forests, mostly located in central France, are Allier, Limousin, Nevers, Tronçais and Vosges, and each is considered to have distinctive characteristics. We like this approach, and applaud his diplomatic outlook on barrel usage. French white oak is much tighter grained and less dense than American white oak, thus imparting more subtle flavors and … Most of the French oak for barrels comes from one of five forests, some of which were originally planted during Napoleonic times for shipbuilding. The debate between American and French oak will continue for quite some time. In both cases, the oak tannins combine with the grape tannins to form a new structure which tends to be more appealing than grape tannin or oak tannin alone. To see the difference in American versus French oak, go to your local wine store and explain that you would like to try two wines from the same varietal which have been aged in American and French oak. 2020 Beaujolais Nouveau: Celebrating Bright Wines in a Dim Year, Hugo Ortega’s Sweet-and-Savory Stuffed Quail Feast for Thanksgiving, 2020 Gift Guide: Editors’ Favorite Wine Accessories. Look for more subtle flavors in the French oak, and possibly more tannins. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! Barrels are made from oak trees grown all over the world, but the most popular barrels are made from oak trees grown in France or the United States. First off, I suggest that you read our article “How A Wine Barrel is Made“. The next time you have a dinner party, open both and try them side by side: don’t forget to try them when you first cork the bottles and then again a bit later, after the wine has opened up. A French oak barrel costs about $1,000, while an American barrel is about $500. What do you call white wines that have a citrusy, fizzy sensation? In the wine world, the beauty is that it is always changing, and always subjective. European oak grows in northern Spain and Portugal. The idea of regional flavors is not held to the high regard that it is in France. American and French Oak: The Key Differences: Both American oak and French oak contribute aromas, flavors and tannin to a wine. Decide for yourself which one you prefer, but remember: don’t let that be the “end-all”. In American oak, however, the cooper (barrel maker) is more highly regarded than the forest that the tree comes from. You’ll need to arrange for the original layers … "Lees" is more. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more food facts, recipes, wine reviews, and pairings. Barrel-destined oak trees ideally grow in cool climates, which gives them a chance to mature slowly and develop a desirable tight grain. To each his (or her) own! What’s the deal with the French vs. American oak barrel question? Yet French barrels are significantly more expensive (anywhere from $500 to $1,000, depending on the forest and the cooper, compared to the American barrels, which can go for as low as $200). American oak gives a softer, sweeter taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, while European oak is spicier and has a stronger wood input. Each sample was made using oak cubes with a two-month contact time and evaluated with no bottle ageing. The idea of regional flavors is not held to the high regard that it is in France. It depends on who you ask, but at Sedimentality, we say “no”. Most whisky casks are made from either American white oak or European oak. What is the difference between American and French oak for maturation? I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. American oak has more of the actual “oak” aroma and flavor, and often imparts a vanilla flavor as well (which is highly desired by many consumers). Visit any winery or tasting room and eventually, you will hear what is probably the most common question asked to vintners: “Is this aged in American or French oak?” The tasting room attendant or winemaker answers, the person asking the question nods as if in approval, and we all go on sniffing the wine, sipping it and pretending that we smell the violets, cherries, chocolate or whatever else people claim is in the wine… and wondering why it matters so much if a barrel came from France or America. Concerned about wine freezing in my car if it ’ s below freezing outside subtle spiciness of them as.! Which gives them a chance to mature slowly and develop a desirable tight grain mean when tasting! 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