What Makes Stainless Steel A Perfect Choice For Wine Barrels?

Stainless steel wine barrels are the new alternative to oak wine barrels and they are much better than oak barrels in many respects. Read on to know what makes them perfect for storing wine.

Wine making is an art. The entire process of making wine right from choosing the proper grapes to storing the new wine for aging is a delicate process and requires a lot of care and attention. A slight deviation in proportion of ingredients or less or more exposure to air may render the wine tasteless. An important part of the wine making process is the aging of the wine. Aging can make all the difference in the taste of the wine. Some of the finest wines in the world are the oldest and the best stored wines. Here is how storage is an extremely essential part of wine making.

Traditionally, wine was stored in oak barrels since it imparts a special oakiness to the wine that is greatly appreciated by the wine lovers all over the world. Though, the oaky flavor remains preferred in wines, yet stainless steel has come up as a welcome change from oak barrels as the new medium for storing wine. There are many reasons that make it so favorable.

Durable

The most admirable feature of stainless steel that makes it a superior material for storage of any product is that it is a highly durable material. Stainless steel wine barrels can be used for years at a stretch. Oak barrels, on the other hand face the common problem of a short life span. A major problem with oak barrels is that the wood loses its flavor after one or two years and hence can best be used only once or twice at max after which it goes waste.

Economical

Another feature that makes stainless steel a great alternative to oak barrels for storing wine is the fact that it is a far more economical choice. With the large number of barrels required for commercial wine making, the price of the barrel becomes an important factor. Especially since oak comes at a high cost and is used only once or twice, it becomes an expensive affair. Stainless steel is a far more affordable option as the cost incurred is a one time cost as the barrels can be used again and again for years.

Quality Control

Though stainless steel lacks the oakiness that the oak barrels impart to the wine, it is neutral and does not affect the wine stored in it. Thus, any flavor can be imparted to the wine without the steel having any effect on the flavor. For the oaky flavor, for example, oak can be added in the form of chips, planks or powder. Steel barrels are also used for experimental batches of wine, which require a neutral storage container to see the impact of the experimentation on the wine.

Air Control

Since oak is naturally porous in nature, it is good for storing wine. However, wine requires a controlled exposure to air as it preserves the taste of the wine and doesn't allow it to evaporate in the air. Steel provides just that. Air exposure can be controlled in stainless steel barrels as required for the wine to make it perfect.

Alternative to Cutting Trees

Finally, using a stainless steel wine barrel also saves on cutting thousands of oak trees for making wine barrels every year, only to go waste after one year of use. Hence, reckless cutting of trees can be saved in this way.

This article has been written by an expert working for Skolnik, a leading manufacturer of stainless steel wine barrels, overpack drums and a range of other storage containers.