Wines aged in concrete (1–6 months)
Theageing in concrete vats for 1–6 months is a practice increasingly valued in winemaking for its ability to to combine stability, neutrality and natural micro-oxygenation.
Concrete, a porous and thermally stable material, allows a gentle ripening of the wine, similar to that of wood but with no aromatic contribution, keeping the varietal characteristics and the freshness of the fruit intact.
Characteristics of short ageing in concrete
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Duration: 1–6 months, often after fermentation in concrete or stainless steel
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No release of outside aromas → neutrality on the palate
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Natural micro-oxygenation → a softer, rounder wine
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Stable temperature → reduced oxidative stress
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Oval or truncated-cone shaped vessels to encourage the natural suspension of the lees
Style of wine produced
| Appearance | Result |
|---|---|
| Colour | Luminous, stable, natural |
| Aromas | Clean, varietal, with a slight mineral note |
| Palate | Fresh but rounder and more velvety than with stainless steel |
| Longevity | Medium, ideal for wines to drink within 2–4 years |
Ideal grape varieties and types
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Whites: Vermentino, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Catarratto, Albariño
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Fresh reds: Frappato, Ciliegiolo, Barbera, Nerello Mascalese
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Perfect for natural wines or low-intervention
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Also for orange wines with short maceration
Recommended pairings
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Grilled fish or fish in a crust
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Fresh and semi-aged cheeses
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Vegetarian dishes, pulses, grains
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White meat, rabbit, griddled chicken
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Light first courses with aromatic herbs
Why choose a wine aged in concrete (1–6 months)
To obtain purity and roundness without the use of wood
For those looking for freshness with tactile depth
To express the the character of the terroir and the grape variety
Great for natural or minimal-intervention wines
In concrete (1–6 months): My personal top three
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1
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2
Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022 - Yannick Alléno & Michel Chapoutier
- Type: Red Wine
- Region: Côtes du Rhône, France, Rhône
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3
Le Péché Originel 2023 - Domaine Raymond Usseglio
- Type: Red Wine
- Region: France, Lirac, Rhône
All those I have tried
