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Oak

The modern wood of choice for making wine barrels. Not only does oak make a durable barrel, but winemakers also use oak barrels to impart color, taste, and tannin to wine. In the US, the species of oak that is most often used in winemaking is the Quercus Alba (American Oak). In France, the most common oak species used in wine production is the Quercus Petraea (French Oak). In general, the cellular structure of Quercus Alba, along with its higher concentration of lactones, produces a more pronounced vanilla flavor in wines treated with American Oak.
 Oak - Wine Glossary


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