View source for Oaking

The process of immersing [[oak chips]], shavings, particles, cubes, "beans," or sticks into a [[wine]] or [[spirit]] to simulate having [[maturation|aged]] the wine in an [[oak barrel]] or [[keg]]. The oak may be natural or it may be toasted (light, medium or heavy toast).

Oaking allows young [[wine|wines]] to soften and absorb some of the wood's flavors and [[tannins]]. However, most light, delicate wines should not be oaked.

[[Category:Maturation]]
[[Category:Glossary]]