What factors determine the type of oak ageing?
Size: affects the maturation process (smaller barrels increase oxidation). Age of the barrel: the older the barrel the less intense the flavor it imparts. Length of time in barrel: the longer, the more intense the oak flavors. Where the oak was grown: French oak gives buttery and vanillan flavors, whereas American oak gives more molasses and intense vanilla. Which wines benefit from oak aging? Chardonnays are commonly oak aged. Dry or sweet wines made from Sauvignon and Semillon blended together are also good candidates. Many reds improve with oak aging. Oak barrels are used extensively in Australia and California. How should I order wine in a restaurant? Make use of the advice of the wine waiter (sommelier), if there is one. First choose your food and then decide on your wines. And remember, the old rule about white with fish and red with meat doesn’t always stand. 1. When the bottle arrives, check the following: vintage (if the restaurant is out of the vintage ordered, they will ofte
