AGEING BOURGOGNE WINES The ageing process is an important part of winemaking, following the vinification processes and playing a critical role in the end result in terms of uniqueness.
Ageing Bourgogne Wines
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ed wines from the Bourgogne region of France undergo a specific ageing process.
BARREL STORAGE Bourgogne wines are typically stored in traditional oak barrels called pieces, which can each hold 228 litres of liquid. Some may be stored in vats instead, while others may utilise both.
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TIMESCALE
STIRRING
The amount of time the wine is left to age in the barrels or vats depends on the level of appellation and the wishes of the winemaker but will usually be somewhere between 8 and 24 months. During this time, the structure of the wine will increase in complexity and the aromatic profile of the wine will develop.
During the ageing process, the skilled winemaker will stir the liquid two to four times each month. This stirring process ensures that the lees stay in contact with the wine.
Prior to ageing, there are a number of stages to the winemaking process, also known as vinification. Thibaut De Roux
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You can learn more about these different stages by visiting the blog of Thibaut de Roux.