5 advantages of stainless steel wine tanks (compared with oak barrels)

1. Long service life

Stainless steel tank is an inert container made of stainless steel 304 or 316. Why are stainless steel wine tanks becoming more popular? This is largely due to the durability and sustainability of the stainless steel tanks. Oak barrels have a short lifespan, typically three to five years. As they are used more and more, they lose their original oak aroma and the acidity of the wine erodes them. Compared with that, the service life of the stainless steel tank is much longer.

2. Save more purchase cost than oak barrels

The volume of the stainless steel tank is generally larger. In the case of making the same amount of wine, stainless steel tanks can save more purchase cost than oak barrels, which is one of the reasons why some wineries choose stainless steel tanks to make wine.

3. Retain the original personality and characteristic flavor of wine grapes

At the same time, some winemakers think that the stainless steel tank is tasteless and neutral, which can well retain the original personality and characteristic flavor of wine grapes. The wine produced is more pure and natural.

4. Control the speed of oxidation of wines

Although small gaps in oak barrels provide a micro-oxygenating environment for the wines in them, the relatively uncontrollable rate of oxidation is a challenge for winemakers. Stainless steel tanks with good tightness are different, and their airtightness enables winemakers to control the speed of oxidation of wines. Moderate oxidation can be carried out according to the taste of wine tested, which can monitor wine quality more precisely.

5. Easy to clean

Furthermore, the smooth contact surface of the stainless steel tank is easy to clean, which can reduce the influence of the residue of the previous winemaking, which is also one of the performances of the sustainable use of the stainless steel tank. In modern wineries with better conditions, the CIP cleaning system will be equipped usually.