More oak: a selection of white wines aged in barrels

White wines are much thinner than red wines, so their producers are careful about aging in oak. In spite of this, even in wine-growing regions with established traditions, they are not afraid to experiment in this direction. However, the grape variety is predictable in most cases: chardonnay. It is the basis of most white wines in the “oak” style. Today we’re going to move away from the usual chardonnay and get to know wines made from other varieties that are aged in oak.

Andre Lurton «Chateau De Rochemorin» Blanc (13%)

The Sauvignon Blanc from the Bordeaux region is used for the production of this wine. The practice of oak aging is not new in this region, but it is mostly used for red wines. The wine was aged in oak barrel for 10 months, making its taste richer and more rounded. The aroma has notes of peach, apricot and toasted toast, the taste is creamy and slightly mineral.

Feudi del Pisciotto “Carolina Marengo” Grillo (13%)

This Sicilian wine is made from the Grillo variety, which is not very popular with local wine producers. It is even rarer to age a wine from this variety in a barrel. However, Feudi del Pisciotto was not afraid to create a wine from the Grillo varietal that was aged in barrel. During the 8 months the wine spent in oak, it became more rounded without losing its fruitiness. There are hints of apple and pear in the aroma and the taste is full of citrus notes.

Bodegas Langa “Pi – 3.1415” Blanco (13,5%)

Bodegas Langa owns some of the best vineyards in Zaragoza, which allows them to make wines of exceptional quality. Their Pi – 3.1415 wine is made from the white varietal Garnacha – Garnacha blanco. The wine is aged in barrel for 6 months, which not only adds new nuances to it, but also increases its storage potential for several years. The lush aroma is filled with notes of melon, pear, apple, as well as butter and toast. The taste is fruity with pleasant acidity.

Peter Jakob Kuhn “Quarzit” Riesling trocken (12%)

Peter Jakob Kuhn is one of the few German Riesling producers that practice long aging in oak. Such an unusual approach was not to the taste of many, but those who appreciated it became devoted fans of the producer. This wine matures for 3 years in an oak barrel, which adds a denser texture. The aroma is filled with bright tropical notes, herbaceous and citrus tones.

Simonsig Chenin “Avec Chene” (13.5%)

The Chenin Blanc variety found its second homeland in South Africa, where they started to produce wines that are not inferior to their French counterparts. Simonsig company has tamed this variety and brought it to perfection. The proof is Chenin “Avec Chene”, which literally means “Chenin with oak”. And indeed there is a lot of oak in it – fermentation in French barrels and 11 months of aging in the same barrels. Thanks to this the aroma of the wine has sweet notes of peach and honey, and the taste is full of dried fruits with a woody flavor.

Chateau Musar White (12%)

Chateau Musar has made an invaluable contribution to Lebanese winemaking and brought it to the world level, producing wine from both international and local varieties. This wine is made from unique Lebanese Obaida and Merwah varieties. It was aged for 9 months in French barrels and then bottled for several months. The aroma has notes of citrus, peach and pear. The taste is dense with a pleasant bitterness of almonds and hints of lemon peel.