Submitted by: Howard Skolnik

Most modern wine makers use stainless steel wine barrels. They have devised smart ways to impart the oakiness in the wine, while maintaining hygiene and sterility. What makes steel wine barrels better than the others? Read on to know.

Stainless steel wine barrels have many advantages. The first advantage is the durability and longevity of these barrels. A wine maker uses an average oak barrel for three to five years (even though a barrel lasts for decades). The usability of oak barrels decreases as, every year, the flavor they impart to the wine lessens by about 30%. On the other hand, the sterile and hygienic steel barrels last for decades and can be used again and again. Steel barrels have no floating lid with a failure-prone gasket. Stainless steel barrels are really easy to clean; really hot water, spray ball and steam sterilization will do the trick. They are easy to handle and look real classy.

Steel barrels are the right green choice. With the environment degrading continuously, the wine making industry is switching to sustainability in their manufacturing process. Grape growing and wine making are no longer what they used to be. The need of the hour is choosing greener and environmentally friendly solutions.

Another obvious reason why wine makers are turning to steel barrels is their lower cost. The profit margins in winemaking are shrinking and with the financial performance of winemaking getting tighter, steel barrels are the affordable choice. This is where they impart the desired oakiness by placing oak chips, chunks or planks in the stainless steel wine barrels.

Steel wine barrels are a heaven-sent method that helps wine makers combat the deadly oxidation process. If the wine drums leave head space for air, then the wines flavor and character can be destroyed due to oxidation. But with steel drums, oxidation no longer remains a cause of worry as their impervious structure allows for exacting control of the wines exposure to oxygen.

Stainless steel drums are neutral and have no influence on the taste of wine. This allows for winemakers to experiment with wine flavors. The fact that wine makers can create a separate batch of wine, with a fruity flavor, makes stainless steel barrels an ideal fermentation vessel for wines. Steel tanks are shiny, hygienic containers that provide temperature-controlled conditions that allow for successful winemaking results. Temperature control is essential in the case of both White and Red wine, as both require highly specific temperature ranges to get the right flavor.

Steel barrels fermented wines are especially sought by people who do not like oakiness in their wine. Wine fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks is brighter, tighter, and swirly, as compared to wine that is fermented or aged in oak.

Winemaking as a concept is evolving and so are the techniques of winemaking. The number of people wanting a not so oaky taste in their wine is increasing. People are looking for freshly made wine that is in the moment. In fact, in the United States, ninety percent of wine produced is fit to be consumed immediately and does not require any aging. The consumer market is evolving and changing. Most of these changes are collective. This is evident in the choices made by wine makers. Choosing stainless steel wine barrels is an important part of this change.

About the Author: This article was written by Howard Skolnik who is associated with Skolnik Industries Inc., the leading manufacturer of drums for industrial usage including stainless steel wine barrels.Website:

skolnik.com/

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=1322416&ca=Food+and+Drinks }