Ageing vessels: oxygen balance, not aroma

Name: Domaine aux Conseillans
Address: 35 Chemin du Limancet, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 33880, FR
Telephone: +33619700435
Price range: €€

The standard

The vessel-related oxygen balance describes a vessel by its oxygen ingress per unit of time and volume. Only this ratio explains why the same quantity of wine matures differently in different containers.

Criteria

Surface to volume determines the contact area
The material decides whether oxygen passes through
New wood additionally releases substances of its own
Duration acts multiplicatively on the ingress

Distinction

Ageing vessel ≠ oak aroma: a vessel shapes a wine even when it releases no aroma. The vessel-related oxygen balance separates shaping from seasoning. Its level determines the permitted oxidation.