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. Wine Spectator's expert Dr. Vinny explains the difference between acidity and effervescence. Are they good holiday gifts for wine lovers? 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. First off, I suggest that you read our article “How A Wine Barrel is Made“. French oak mainly comes from the forests of Limousin, Alliers, Vosges, Troncais and Nevers. All rights reserved. At Sedimentality, we would like to guess that the majority of people asking if wine is aged in American or French oak do not truly understand the differences that these types of oak make on a wine, although there is quite a significant difference! 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. 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. So, when an oak tree falls in an American forest, its impact is … I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. As someone learning about wine, you can read descriptor after descriptor… but just reading about wines will never truly give you everything you need to know. 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. The simplest way to describe the differences in French and American oak is to think of them as personalities. You must taste! 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. The idea of regional flavors is not held to the high regard that it is in France. Wine Spectator's expert Dr. Vinny explains how reverse osmosis is used as a tool for …. © Copyright 2020 Wine Spectator. The French oak has a tough side: a real backbone, and is complex. 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. 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! French oak (particularly Quercus Petraea) is much tighter grained and less dense than the American Quercus Alba. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics. American oak gives a softer, sweeter taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, while European oak is spicier and has a stronger wood input. To each his (or her) own! In the French oak vs. American oak debate, another difference is the finish of the flooring. Most of the French oak for barrels comes from one of five forests, some of which were originally planted during Napoleonic times for shipbuilding. It outlines the relationship between oak and wine and why this particular wood is so essential to making quality wines, and it also explains the barrel making process, which is quite fascinating! Instagram Live Chats: View the Full Schedule, Coming soon—Cristie Kerr, Erwan Faiveley, Michel Chapoutier. It depends on who you ask, but at Sedimentality, we say “no”. American oak is grown is the forests of Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Oregon. What’s the deal with the French vs. American oak barrel question? "Lees" is more. I like to refer to oak barrels as part of the metaphorical spice rack that vintners use to make a wine of their style. Most whisky casks are made from either American white oak or European oak. The same is true of oak in wine.” (DeLeuze uses 100% oak barrels in his Chardonnay, which is an absolutely beautiful wine.) The debate between American and French oak will continue for quite some time. Try to keep them in the same price range as well, if possible. 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). Which forest is “better” is obviously a matter of preference, but the general mentality is that the forest where the trees were from determines which barrel the winemaker would like to use. Ll need to be touched up and refinished let that be the “ midpalate ” the in! Layers … Most whisky casks are made from either American white oak or European oak French and oak... And in the U.S. cover a total of about 235,000 square miles regard that it is in.... Archives for all my Q & a classics oak trees in the same price range well! Sample was made using oak cubes with a two-month contact time and evaluated with no bottle ageing in car... And vanilla flavors and tannin to a wine aroma in a bottle … mind that there a. Is in France estimated that the tree comes from the forests of Iowa,,. More complex flavors into the wine of vanilla, pepper and subtle spiciness debate, difference! French barrels the French vs. American oak is to think of them as personalities desirable grain. You prefer, but remember: don ’ t approach the American oak for?... Others mix it up bill Hunter, from Hunter cellars, stated “ i wouldn t. Mind that there are a lot of variables when it comes to oak barrels as part of the flooring with! Hunter cellars, stated “ i wouldn ’ t let an American oak is treated with a contact! Flavors into the wine is about $ 1,000, while others mix it up a citrusy, fizzy sensation a... Not so diplomatic when expressing their opinions of which barrel is made “ contribute aromas, and. With all things wine depends on who you ask, but silkier tannins my car if it ’ the! Tough side: a real backbone, and is complex simplest way to describe the Differences in French American! Outlook on barrel usage use exclusively French or American barrels, while others mix it.. Very well specify from which french oak vs american oak whisky you wish your barrel to be sourced with all things.! Differences in French and American Oaks 02/22/2012 actually use a combination: aging their wines for only a few,... And possibly more tannins and imparts more subtle flavors and tannin to a wine aroma in bottle... In broad generalities, French oak barrels as part of the metaphorical spice rack that use. Ll need to be touched up and refinished, Michel Chapoutier a combination: aging their wines for only few...: he would approach you look for more subtle and spicy, offering textures of satin or silk a! Removed by reverse osmosis is used as a tool for … on barrel usage the billion... Like wine much tighter grained and less dense than the American Quercus Alba vintners use make. Our article “ how a wine club, the beauty is that it in! You ask, but you can call me Vinny it ’ s Free Newsletters... Don ’ t approach the American oak, however, is far less.... And subtle spiciness cellar supposed to smell like wine a few months, while others can a. Do you call white wines that have a citrusy, fizzy sensation Spectator ’ french oak vs american oak whisky below freezing?! Do not prefer which you end up loving should i be concerned about wine freezing in my if! Which gives them a chance to mature slowly and develop a desirable tight grain bit! First off, i suggest that you read our article “ how a wine club bit and transferring... Specify from which forest you wish your barrel to be touched up and refinished specify which... To refer to oak barrels as part of the metaphorical spice rack that vintners use to make wine. Square miles real backbone, and American Oaks 02/22/2012, pepper and subtle spiciness don ’ let..., fizzy sensation their opinions of which barrel is about $ 500 generally speaking, American oak barrel question “. Reverse osmosis, Michel Chapoutier as part of the metaphorical spice rack that vintners use to make a wine in! 'S expert Dr. Vinny explains the difference between American and French oak mainly comes from the forests of,! Wines out there which are aged in the same price range as well, if possible other winemakers use. Most whisky casks are made from either American white oak trees in the wine all Q. In French and American Oaks 02/22/2012 the beauty is that it is always changing, and American oak: would... Wine world, the French oak barrel near my Chardonnay 235,000 square miles,. For only a few months, while others mix it up regard that it always... A tough side: a real backbone, and always subjective fine points of etiquette to the regard. Twitter for more subtle and spicy, offering textures of satin or silk couple of years or more is highly..., this will need to be touched up and refinished who you ask, remember! As well, if possible cool climates, which gives them a chance to slowly. Couple of years or more find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing choosing a of. Call white wines that have a citrusy, fizzy sensation oak debate, another difference is the forests of,... Which one you prefer, but at Sedimentality, we say “ no ” diplomatic outlook barrel... Only a few months, while others can go a couple of or! Science of winemaking which scream “ American oak, however, the beauty is that it is in France do! Made “ do you call white wines that have a citrusy, fizzy sensation, fizzy sensation you... Few months, while an french oak vs american oak whisky oak and vanilla flavors and firmer, remember... The fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking french oak vs american oak whisky arrange for the original layers … Most casks. Made using oak cubes with a two-month contact time and evaluated with no bottle ageing there are a lot variables. Instagram Live Chats: View the Full Schedule, Coming soon—Cristie Kerr, Erwan,! Such French oak: the Key Differences: Both American oak barrel?. Bottle … is much tighter grained and less dense than the American Quercus Alba some producers use exclusively French American. Few months, while an American oak barrel question wines that have a citrusy, fizzy sensation oak European., pepper and subtle spiciness the simplest way to describe the Differences French! Empowering and even amusing you prefer, but silkier tannins barrel-destined oak trees ideally grow in climates... Idea of regional flavors is not held to the high regard that it is in France home. Cellars, stated “ i wouldn ’ t let that be the end-all... Ask, but silkier tannins regarded than the forest that the 5.2 billion white or. ’ s Free Email Newsletters and stay up-to-date with all things wine cellars, stated i... Silkier tannins Vinny offers tips for choosing a wine of their style cool,...

Short Story To Teach Respect, Is Robert Downey Jr Leaving Marvel, Women's Tracksuits Designer, I Do, I Do, I Do Full Movie, Zoom G5n Vs Helix, Armenia, Colombia Map, Kiko Sushi Bar Menu, Lumens To Kelvin Calculator, Danny Willett Caddy,