When it comes to aging wine, there are many different vessels that winemakers can use to impart unique flavors and textures to their wines. Two of the most popular options are concrete eggs and oak barrels. While both of these aging vessels can produce excellent wines, there are some key differences between them that can impact the final product.

Concrete Eggs

Concrete eggs are a relatively new addition to the world of wine aging. These egg-shaped vessels are made from concrete, and their unique shape allows for the wine to naturally circulate during the aging process. This circulation can help to create a more uniform temperature throughout the wine, which can lead to more even and balanced flavors.

Concrete eggs are also neutral vessels, meaning that they don’t impart any additional flavors or aromas to the wine. This allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through, without any interference from the aging vessel.

Concrete eggs are often used to age white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are known for their crisp acidity and bright fruit flavors, and aging them in concrete eggs can help to enhance these characteristics. Concrete eggs can also be used to age red wines, although this is less common.

Oak Barrels

Oak barrels have been used to age wine for centuries. These barrels are made from oak wood, which imparts unique flavors and aromas to the wine. The type of oak used can vary, with French oak and American oak being two of the most popular options.

During the aging process, wine is exposed to the oak wood, which can impart flavors of vanilla, spice, and toast. The size of the barrel can also impact the final product, with smaller barrels leading to more concentrated flavors and larger barrels leading to more subtle flavors.

Oak barrels are often used to age red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. These wines are known for their complex flavors and aromas, and aging them in oak barrels can help to enhance these characteristics.

Differences Between Concrete Eggs and Oak Barrels

One of the biggest differences between concrete eggs and oak barrels is the impact they have on the wine’s flavor. Concrete eggs are neutral vessels, meaning that they don’t impart any additional flavors or aromas to the wine. This can be beneficial for wines that are meant to showcase the natural flavors of the grapes.

Oak barrels, on the other hand, can impart unique flavors and aromas to the wine. These flavors can range from subtle hints of vanilla and spice to more pronounced flavors of toast and smoke. This can be beneficial for wines that are meant to have a more complex flavor profile.

Another difference between concrete eggs and oak barrels is the texture of the wine. Concrete eggs allow for natural circulation of the wine during the aging process, which can help to create a more uniform texture throughout the wine. This can lead to wines that are more balanced and even in flavor.

Oak barrels, on the other hand, can lead to wines that have a more textured mouthfeel. The tannins in the oak wood can help to create a more structured wine, with a firm tannin backbone that can help the wine to age gracefully over time.

Which Wines are Aged in Each?

Concrete eggs are often used to age white wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are known for their crisp acidity and bright fruit flavors, and aging them in concrete eggs can help to enhance these characteristics. Concrete eggs can also be used to age some red wines, particularly those that are meant to showcase the natural flavors of the grapes.

The shape of the vessel can also impact the aging process. Concrete eggs are shaped like an egg, which allows the wine to circulate naturally during the time in egg. Due to the hard corners on the end of the wine barrel, on the top and bottom, the oak wine barrel is less condusive to natural circulation.

Oak barrels are often used to age red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. These wines are known for their complex flavors and aromas, and aging them in oak barrels best suits them.

In conclusion, white wines seem to benefit the most from concrete egg aging, while red wines seem to be more appropriately put into oak barrels which impart flavor and structure to the red wine.–Robert Menendez

(From a recent tasting).

Beringer Botrytised 1990 Late Harvest wine is a dessert wine that has been aged to a “sweet” spot in terms of its potential. The bottle in question is a half sized bottle. This wine is made from grapes: 55% Semillon and 45% Sauvignon Blanc. They have been affected by a fungus called botrytis, typical in Beringer fashion-innoculated on a tray, after harvest. This a fungus that causes the grapes to shrivel up and concentrate their sugars, resulting in a sweeter, more flavorful wine.

Upon pouring, the wine appears dark amber in color with a tinge of orange with a slightly viscous texture. On the nose, the wine explodes with aromas of dried apricot, honey, and caramel, with hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, the wine is rich and complex, with flavors of candied orange peel, honeycomb, and baking spices, with a subtle hint of minerality. The wine has a long, lingering finish, with some acidity to keeps the sweetness in check.

This wine is an excellent choice to serve as an after-dinner drink, paired with a dessert that is not too sweet, such as a blue cheese plate or a fruit tart. This wine can also be enjoyed on its own as a dessert, sipped slowly and savored.

Overall, the Beringer Botrytised 1990 Late Harvest wine is an exceptional dessert wine that has aged gracefully. It is a testament to the skill and expertise of Beringer’s winemakers and a true pleasure to drink. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a well-crafted dessert wine. Because of how well it has aged and because of its exemplary and distinguished nose we rate it a WB 97. by Mollie Gould

Tre Bicchieri is an annual wine event that celebrates the best Italian wines. Organized by Gambero Rosso, an Italian food and wine magazine, the event awards the highest honor of “Tre Bicchieri” or “Three Glasses” to the best wines in Italy. The event has been held since 1988 and has since become one of the most important traveling wine events in the world–typically going to several cities in the U.S. and many other cities around the world.

The Tre Bicchieri event showcases over 2,500 wines from all over Italy, with about 400 finalists that receive the coveted “Three Glasses” or “Tre Bicchieri” designation. The wines including wines from small family-owned wineries to large commercial producers. Each year, a panel of expert wine tasters evaluates the wines and awards the coveted “Tre Bicchieri” honor to the best wines. The event is open to the public and offers an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to taste some of the best wines in Italy.

The success of Tre Bicchieri has led to the creation of similar events in other countries around the world. In the United States, Gambero Rosso hosts a Tre Bicchieri World Tour, which showcases the best Italian wines in major cities across the country. The event features tastings, seminars, and opportunities to meet with winemakers and industry experts.

In addition to the Tre Bicchieri events, many other wine competitions and festivals are held around the world, celebrating the best wines from different regions and countries. These events provide opportunities for winemakers to showcase their wines and for wine enthusiasts to taste and learn about different wines.

Some of the other major wine events around the world include the Decanter World Wine Awards in the United Kingdom, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Belgium, and the International Wine Challenge in Hong Kong. Each of these events attracts wine producers and enthusiasts from around the world and serves as a platform for the recognition and promotion of the best wines.

In conclusion, Tre Bicchieri is a highly esteemed wine event that celebrates the best wines in Italy. Its success has led to the creation of similar events around the world, providing opportunities for winemakers to showcase their wines and for wine enthusiasts to taste and learn about different wines. These events play an important role in promoting the wine industry and recognizing the achievements of wine producers. -P Ronen