The consistency in the production process at Selection Albert is evident across all their barrel alternatives. Regardless of the type, each one begins with the same meticulous production process.
Fine-Grained Wood: Selection Albert exclusively uses fine-grained wood for all barrel alternatives. Fine-grained wood is preferred as it can impart subtle and refined flavors to the wine, enhancing the overall quality of the aging process.
Seasoning for 24 Months: This extended period of maturation is crucial for allowing the wood to undergo changes, both in terms of moisture content and aromatic development, ensuring that the wood is well-prepared for the wine aging process.
Powder & Granulate
Oak powder and granulate have a stabilizing effect on the color of the wine during fermentation. The compounds present in oak interact with the wine, contributing to color stability. This is particularly important for red wines, helping to preserve and enhance their color characteristics. Undesirable vegetal notes soften or mitigate by the interaction with oak compounds. Additionally, the incorporation of oak elements add roundness to the wine, contributing to a smoother and more integrated palate.
Chips
The use of oak chips in winemaking is a common practice, especially when aging wines in stainless steel tanks. Oak chips offer winemakers a convenient and flexible method for imparting oak flavors and characteristics to the wine. The optimal time to add oak chips for best integration is during either the alcoholic fermentation or malolactic fermentation stages. Adding oak chips during these phases allows for better interaction between the wine and the oak, facilitating the extraction of flavors, aromas and structural components from the chips.
Barrel Staves
Over time, the oak character in barrels can diminish. Barrel staves offer a way to bring back life and refresh the oak influence in older barrels. This is particularly beneficial when winemakers want to extend the use of their barrels without compromising on the quality of oak interaction. Barrel staves provide a slow and controlled extraction of flavors and compounds from the wood. This slow extraction allows for a gradual integration of oak characteristics into the wine, contributing to a smoother and more harmonious profile.
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