Concrete barrels – The forgotten treasure of wine cellars
When one thinks of wine storage today, most people envision wooden barrels or modern stainless-steel tanks. However, a closer look – like here – reveals an almost forgotten method: concrete barrels.
From the 1970s, they were a true revolution in many wineries. Made of solid concrete, they were lined with glass tiles or stainless steel and were used for the fermentation and storage of wine. Their thick walls ensured constant temperatures – a significant advantage during the sensitive aging phase.
Solid. Quiet. And full of character.
Concrete barrels influence wine in their own unique way:
They do not impart aromas, but allow small amounts of oxygen to pass through – resulting in particularly round, harmonious wines. They are considered neutral, but are by no means boring.
Once seen as modern – today they are witnesses of an exciting phase of viticulture.
Concrete is making a comeback
Concrete has never completely disappeared. Since the 1990s, concrete storage has experienced a quiet comeback – especially in France, Spain, and also in Germany.
A piece of wine history you can touch
The concrete barrels exhibited here are not mere decoration, but genuine witnesses of history. They tell of a time when wine production took new paths – and of the courage to experiment with materials that are not immediately associated with enjoyment.
Perhaps you have already tasted a wine that has aged in concrete – without knowing it.
