The big trade fair Vinitech 2018 took place in Bordeaux in November. Every year Vinitech presents new and innovative equipment for winegrowing and winemaking. This year, for example, a biodynamic oak barrel drew attention. It is manufactured by Tonnellerie Sylvan and is made with trees that have been cut down at specific dates according to the moon calendar.
But even more spectacular was a spherical oak barrel (yes, round just like a ball!) called Galile-Oak. This is, says the manufacturer Seguin Moreau, a shape that maintains a uniform temperature, retains the grapes’ and the wine’s energy, and provides a new dimension to ageing on lees. The barrel is rotating and holds 15 hectolitres. It has a small window where the winemaker can see what happens during the fermentation. And to make it even more spectacular the barrel rests on a fancy iron chassis inspired by Gustave Eiffel. Whatever will they think of next?
See more news from Vinitech here. For a better picture of the beautiful Galile-Oak look here.
