Oak Products
French oak is the most highly regarded wood for
use in winemaking. High demand means that it costs more
than other varieties. It is known for its subtle flavor
and bouquet and high tannin content. French oak is great
for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc.
American oak has a much more pronounced aroma
than French oak. It imparts more flavor faster, but mellows
sooner. Try American oak for Bordeaux-style wines and big
Italian or Spanish reds and Zinfandel; it also makes for
an assertive Chardonnay.
Hungarian oak has
much of the same properties as French oak, but is a bit
less intense. It's a very popular substitute for French
oak because of its lower cost and fine flavor profile.
Medium Toast has less tannin but more bouquet,
so will impart more aroma than flavor. Medium toast oak
has a warm, sweet character with strong vanilla overtones.
Medium Plus Toast is darker than medium and has
aromas of honey and roasted nuts with a hint of coffee.
Ideal for heavy reds.
Heavy Toast brings pronounced caramelized, carbonized,
toasty flavors very quickly — doesn't need much contact
time. Best for big, bold red wines. Often used in conjunction
with a lighter toast.
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