Oak for wine maduration

Oak is the name given to the more than 250 species of the genus Quercus.

Wine maturation and oak

Over time, Oak has proven to be ideal for wine maturation.
The various types of oak employed in this process are:

French Oak

Quercus Pedunculata and Quercus Sessiliflora (French Oaks)
Transfers lesser quantities of aromatic aldehydes (an aroma not unlike vanilla) to the wine. Of the French Oaks, two distinct varieties are recognized, each bearing its own unique characteristics.

American Oak

Quercus Alba (American Oak)
American Oak: This species of tree, found in Missouri, contains a compound called "cis-oak lactone" which tends to give aromas of coconut to the wine. At the same time, wine aged in American Oak has a lower quantity of tannins.

Oak Toasting process

Oak wood is firm, compact and amber in color. The burnt oak gives the wine yellow elements which eliminate the red tones. At the same time, it also carries out a process of purification.

The toasting is mainly distinguished in three levels

Light burning
Medium burning
Strong or intense burning