Winemakers know one of the critical steps in wine preparation for bottling is the maturation process, which is the period after fermentation. During maturation, wines will develop elegance and complexity through controlled oxidative transformation. Traditionally, most wines have undergone maturation in oak barrels. The combination of oak and measured amounts of oxygen typically results in improvements of sensory characteristics like color stability, aromatic complexity, tannin texture, mid-palate weight and length. 

Boisé has offered an alternative modern winemaking approach with their oak products giving winemakers precision tools to create specific wine profiles, guaranteeing efficient and optimum aging in the cellar. 

Learn more about Boisé’s Oak Alternatives  

When a shorter maturation time is preferred (2-4 months), Boisé offers a diverse selection of oak alternatives in the Origine Oak Chips range that are appropriate for any wine. 

• When freshness and mid-palate body are needed the structuring BF, AFR and SC100 chips are ideal. 
• When sweetness, caramel, toffee and vanilla notes are desired SCA, DCA, DC180, SC180XL and DC190 chips are precision tools. 
• When darker toast notes are sought DC210 and DC310 chips are unmatched in the industry. 

When an intermediate maturation period is preferred (6-8 months), Boisé Inspiration 7mm staves are an excellent choice. Boisé staves offer improved organoleptic quality and aromatic persistence as the oak extractives are integrated into the wine as they are extracted. 

When a longer maturation is possible (8-12 months), Boisé Inspiration 20mm staves are the recommended option. These staves provide extraction rates very similar to barrels and can produce virtually indistinguishable results. 

For winemakers that prefer to use neutral barrels for controlling oxygen, Boisé now offers through-the-bunghole barrel inserts. These inserts are segmented versions of our 20mm stave products that can be easily added and removed through the bung hole to provide the same, controlled extraction that would be achieved by a new barrel. 

No matter what wine style or maturation time you are working with, Boisé offers winemakers the tools to create specific wine profiles with an efficient and optimized approach. Contact our oak experts to set up a trial today. 

Winemaking Oak Alternatives Boise G3 Enterprises