PWS distributes the oak alternatives from
Suber-Lefort of Adelaide, Australia, which has 17 years
experience in turning French barrel-quality oak into tank
planks, mini-staves, chips, flakes, and powder. It is the
seasoning and toasting regimens of the oak that result in
flavor profiles quite distinct from any others. In addition,
Suber-Lefort works with a number of wineries to develop
specialized flavor profiles to match the style of wine they
wish to produce. Yellowtail, the most popular foreign brand
in America, is their best-known success.
|
|
|
| Tank Planks
Tank planks act most like a barrel by integrating with the
wine slowly. Made in convection ovens for 24 + hours, the
flavor profiles of the planks are high in vanillins and
low in tannins; ideal for today's wines.
Standard size is: 36” x 2½” x 3/8”=
1.45 square feet, Medium Toast with two 1” holes 33½”
apart. Custom sizes up to 8' long are available.
Suggested at 120-200 square feet per 1,000 gallons for
30-50% of a new barrel, these tank planks should be used,
as would be a new barrel.
Mini-Staves
Although quicker in extraction than tank staves, the results
can still emulate a new barrel. Sized: 6” x 1½”
x 5/16th (140 = 22 square feet), these can be added loose
directly into the tank or in 10-20 # infusion bags attached
to the side. Depending on the temperature, mini-staves release
80-85% of their flavors in 3-5 months. Available in two
flavor profiles: 'Traditional' radiant toasted or convection
XOV (extra oak vanilla): Recommended dosage 20-40# per 1,000
gallons.
|
| 
|
Chips/Flakes/Powder
Chips available in 'Traditional” and XOV toasting
in medium and medium + toast in two chip sizes: Granular
(1/4”-3/8”), and Fine (<1/4”).
Flakes, a new development, have a unique pre-seasoning
regimen that, once toasted, produces soft and round flavors,
particularly vanillins .Used as a finishing tool at approximately
25 #s per 1,000 gallons 6-8 weeks prior to bottling
Superfine powder available only with medium XOV toasting
gives the sweetest, soft tannin flavors available. It is
used during fermentation for co-polymerization of color
pigments and tannins, and also just prior to bottling for
a quick dose of sweet oak.
Barrel Kits
Available with 12 staves for 2/3rd the intensity of a new
barrel or 18 staves for 100% equivalence of a new barrel.
Click
here to visit the Suber-Lefort's website
|
|
 |
|
|
