Alternative Aging
Forget the oak barrel: amphorae, concrete eggs and even wines aged under the sea. Discover the alternative aging methods that are setting trends and winning over fans of freshness and easy drinking
Beyond the Barrel: When Wine Gets Creative
For years we’ve been told that a great wine is born and raised in the oak barrel. And hey, it’s not a lie: oak has given us some of the most legendary wines in history. But… what happens when winemakers get tired of the same old oak routine? They start exploring new paths — and that’s when things get really interesting.
Today we’re diving into those alternative aging methods that are shaking up the scene: amphorae that look like they’ve been dug out of a Roman site, concrete eggs that could be displayed in a modern art museum, giant fudres that intimidate just by standing next to them, and even wines resting under the sea. Spoiler: this isn’t just hype — it’s pure winemaking creativity, poured straight into your glass.
Amphorae and clay jars: back to the roots
Forget oak: in amphorae and clay jars wine ages “naked”, no makeup. The result? Vibrant, fruit-driven wines with gripping texture. Raw, authentic — like listening to vinyl instead of Spotify.
Amphorae and clay jars
Concrete eggs: a trend that makes sense
No, they’re not hipster sculptures for design-driven wineries. Concrete eggs, thanks to their oval shape, keep wine in constant motion, like it’s training for a marathon. The result? Volume, freshness, energy. Wines so lively you’ll be reaching for the next glass before you know it
Concrete eggs
Concrete tanks: freshness with character
Concrete tanks bring stability and gentle oxygen exchange without masking the grape’s character. The outcome: pure, mineral-driven wines full of tension and depth. A choice embraced by both traditional and cutting-edge winemakers.
Concrete tanks
Stainless steel: minimalism in a tank
Steel doesn’t add aromas, doesn’t interfere, it just preserves the pure freshness of the grape. Ideal for whites, rosés, and sparkling wines designed for carefree, easy drinking. Glass after glass, guilt-free.. The result: wines with a mysterious, adventurous twist, guaranteed to spark conversation at the table.
Stainless steel
Underwater aging: wine goes diving
Sounds like a marketing stunt? Not really. Bottles are actually being submerged in the sea. Pressure, stable temperature, no light — conditions that create something truly unique. The result: wines with a mysterious, adventurous twist, guaranteed to spark conversation at the table.