As a rule, fermentation takes place in large stainless steel fermenters. However, many producers still carry out fermentation traditionally in wooden vats and other fermentation vessels made of various materials. Red wines are preferably fermented in open-top wooden vats. Although large wooden barrels are also used for this, this is relatively time-consuming in terms of cleaning and removing the mash from the small bunghole during the obligatory mash fermentation for red wines. For this reason, special barrels are also used, where the bottom of the barrel can be removed for easier removal. In France(Burgundy), California and Australia, special barrel fermentation is common for certain red wines. The wine that has not yet finished fermenting is transferred to wooden barrels, where fermentation is then completed. However, this results in less appealing red wines due to shorter contact with the mash.
However, fermentation in barrique barrels is mainly used for white wines. This is particularly suitable for certain types of wine such as sweet wines and for suitable grape varieties such as Chardonnay. This is often combined with lees storage. The yeasts form positive-tasting compounds with the wood flavours. The fermentation temperature is usually higher and can only be automated with difficulty, if at all. This goes hand in hand with the accentuation and reduction of certain flavours. Compared to tank fermentation, there is considerably more contact with oxygen with all the associated consequences. Overall, barrel fermentation comes at the expense of fruitiness and aroma, but body, alcohol and complexity are emphasised. The disadvantages are the considerably higher costs for filling and cleaning. This is usually followed by ageing in barrels or barriques. See a list of other relevant keywords under barrel.
Further information
For the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), Distillation (distillates), Speciality wines, Spirits (types), Winemaking (wines and wine types) and Wine law (wine law issues).
