Oak Wood -
Aromas and Flavors of Wine

Oak is a type of tree that is found in much of the world. Oak trees have extremely strong limbs and were not able to be cut down by many cultures until medieval times. Because of the wood's strength, oak barrels were used to hold large amounts of wine, and even wine in modern times is aged in oak barrels to give the wine a rich flavor. Winemakers in fact choose their oak from specific areas of the world, because each type of oak gives a different subtle flavor to the wine.

The Wines with Oak Flavor

For whites, Chardonnay often has an oaky flavor, if it is aged in oak barrels.

Barolo, a complex red from the Piedmont area, tends to have an oaky flavor, as the better barolos are aged 2-3 years in oak barrels. Cabernet Sauvignons are often aged in oak as well and take on this flavor.

All About the Flavors of Wine