Oak Alternatives

The use of oak alternatives is a cost-effective method of imparting oak-aged characteristics to wine instead of investing in expensive oak barrels. Using oak inside of stainless steel tanks reduces the chance of oxidation and lowers the potential for wild yeast or bacterial infections. When adding into wood cooperage the oak alternative can “refresh” or extend the life of the barrel’s ability to impart the wood flavor. Optimal flavor extraction is dependent upon surface area and contact time. Depending upon what size particle is chosen, full flavor and aroma is extracted in 3–5 days.