Zinfandel

[Coolsprings]

Should I oak my red Zinfandel does anyone have any thought on this

 

[Rocky]

Oak always depends on ones taste. I for one like oak and I always oak my Zinfandels with heavy toast American oak, 4-6 oz. in secondary in a 6 gallon carboy.

 

[shoebiedoo]

Oak always depends on ones taste. I for one like oak and I always oak my Zinfandels with heavy toast American oak, 4-6 oz. in secondary in a 6 gallon carboy.

Don't listen to him!, american oak . Medium French toast 6 OZ for 2 months

 

[JohnT]

Oak always depends on ones taste. I for one like oak and I always oak my Zinfandels with heavy toast American oak, 4-6 oz. in secondary in a 6 gallon carboy.

Don't listen to him!, american oak . Medium French toast 6 OZ for 2 months

Don't listen to either of them.. Med Toast American Oak Barrel (225 liters) for at least a year!

 

[Rocky]

Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they say.

 

[ibglowin]

Nope your all wrong......

50/50 blend of american oak and french oak!

Ask three winemakers.......


Get 5 different opinions!

 

[shoebiedoo]

Moral of the story? What does your heart tell you?

 

[Boatboy24]

There is one thing in common with all the above answers. And that is the recommendation of using oak.

 

[Floandgary]

Nailed it Jim!!! Now all Coolsprings has to do is generate his own experience to pass along

 

[JohnT]

Nope your all wrong......

50/50 blend of american oak and french oak!

Ask three winemakers.......


Get 5 different opinions!

That got me thinking..

Anybody know if there are barrels that are made up of a blend of woods?? (50% American, and 50% French)??

 

[ibglowin]

Have never seen one like that but winemakers usually have a selection of barrels and barrel types so they can put 50% into French and 50% into American and then blend the wines down the road. When I was doing my research several years ago on Zin and Oak I looked to my favorite Zins for assistance. I like a touch of American as a little goes a long way for me with that wood. Sure enough my favorite Zins (Seghesio) used a blend of both oak types. Since my barrels are all neutral I use a 50/50 blend of the two either spirals, Winestix, cubes whatever I have.

Works for this winemaker!

 

[NorCal]

I did a new American oak on 30 gallons on a new barrel last year. I liked it so much, doing 60 gallons in a new American barrel this year! But, I would definitely add some oak to the Zin to compliment the spice.

 

[tmmii]

I did some unoaked last year, it went fast. I can't imagine it being better. Two batches going now will oak one!

 

[ColemanM]

You guys are killing me here!! I already have 3 20L barrels (1 Hungarian 2 French) now I need an American? I oaked my Zin port on French medium cubes, now it's in the Hungarian barrel. I'd have to say medium might not be enough. I'd either go medium plus and/or add some heavy toast in very light amounts. It seems to be able to handle it.

 

[JimmyT]

That got me thinking..

Anybody know if there are barrels that are made up of a blend of woods?? (50% American, and 50% French)??

I remember talking with the owner of a local winery/LHBS and she said the suppliers they get barrels from raised their prices. Since then they get a barrel that is mixed French/American because it's half the cost. Top and bottom is French and the rest is American was what they said. I can look into it more if your interested to get the supplier or maker of the barrels.

 

[Coolsprings]

Thanks for everyone's input I think I will try some French oak and see if I like it

 

[Matty_Kay]

This thread has inspired me - I added 2 ounces of medium toast French oak cubes last night to my Chilean Zin from the spring currently aging in carboy. However, I also ordered some heavy toast cubes today as Rocky's usage of heavy toast is certainly intriguing. Never used heavy toast but may be a good fit for my Malbec currently aging also.