Woody wines

Oaked wines are those that have been aged in barrels, typically oak barrels, a traditional method that imparts unique aromas and flavors to the wine. This type of aging provides the wine with micro-oxygenation and a particular aromatic complexity, with subtle notes of vanilla, spices, toast, or even caramel. If you're a fan of wines with character and depth, our selection of oaked wines on Avenue des Vins is perfect for you.

What is an Oaked Wine?

An oaked wine is a wine that has been aged in barrels or oak casks before being bottled. This process is often used for red wines made from noble grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah, as well as for some prestigious white wines, like Chardonnay. The wood interacts with the wine, softening the tannins and bringing aromas of spices, vanilla, chocolate, or smokiness, while adding structure and roundness on the palate.

A Selection of Oaked Wines for All Occasions

At Avenue des Vins, we offer you a wide selection of oaked wines directly from the best French estates and châteaux. Whether you're looking for a rich and structured Bordeaux, an elegant and refined Burgundy, or a powerful and spicy Rhône, our oak-aged wines provide great aromatic complexity and characteristic elegance. These wines are perfect for pairing with hearty dishes such as grilled red meats, dishes with sauces, or aged cheeses.

The Taste of Oak-Aged Wines

As you’ve gathered, oaked wines stand out for their complex aromas and velvety tannins. At Avenue des Vins, every bottle is carefully selected to ensure a unique and authentic experience, and available for home delivery directly from the estate or château of your choice. Whether you're a fan of powerful red wines or rich and opulent white wines, explore our selection of oaked wines and find the perfect cuvée.

Barrel, Large Cask or Oak Chips: What the Rules Allow

For a PDO or PGI wine that has spent time in wood, EU Delegated Regulation 2019/33 sets the terms the label may use: “barrel fermented,” “barrel matured” or “barrel aged,” or the same terms with “cask” (Article 53 and Annex V). The wine keeps that right even if it finishes aging in another container, such as a tank.

Oak chips, the pieces of oak wood added during winemaking or aging, are also allowed in the EU (Delegated Regulation 2019/934). They give an oaky taste without time in barrel, but they rule out those terms: a wine made with oak chips cannot be called “barrel aged,” even if it also spent time in wood.

Some appellations also set a minimum time. The Bandol appellation requires its red wines to age for at least 18 months in casks or foudres, the large wooden vats. When the label says nothing, the producer’s notes on aging can tell you which wood was used.

Oaked Wines: Your Questions on Wood and Appellations

Which woods can be used to age wine?

Oaked wine is most often aged in oak barrels, but other woods can also be used to age wine. The EU label term “cask aged” can name the type of wood, as in “acacia-cask aged.” Pieces of wood added to the wine, however, must come exclusively from oak, of the Quercus genus.

Which appellations ban oak chips?

Several French appellations ban oak chips, including Bandol, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Their rules prohibit any pieces of wood in winemaking, whatever the color of the wine.

Which appellations require red wine to age in oak barrels?

Some French appellations require their reds to age in oak barrels, such as Côtes de Provence with the Fréjus designation. These reds age until at least October 15 of the year after harvest, including a minimum of six months in oak barrels.

Where can you buy oaked red wine direct from the winemaker?

You can buy oaked red wine direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Each wine’s page names the producer who made it.

See also: Powerful red wines - Tannic red wines - Full-bodied and complex red wines