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A Technical Guide for Wine Producers
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WINE IN WOOD AND WOOD IN WINE
The certification of oak products used in the vinification process
The use of wood, be it in the form of barrels or alternative wood products, causes a change in the flavour and taste profile of wines. The nature of the change is influenced not only by the wood itself, but also by factors such as natural leaching and toasting of the wood. To ensure that a measure of repeatability is obtained when using wood products, winemakers use basic specifications when purchasing wood products. Seeing that they are mostly not in a position to verify compliance with the specifications, they usually have to rely on the integrity of their suppliers. In such cases some form of certification could be beneficial.
Consumers throughout the world are increasingly demanding as regards the sustainability of natural products. They insist that the natural origin and authenticity of products be known, before considering to purchase.
It goes without saying that barrels should also comply with the above requirements. The plantations where the wood originates, the way in which the raw material is obtained and processed, are some of the basic information required to ensure the sustainability of the sources. The PEFC Council ("Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes") is an independent, private organisation founded in 1999 by various bodies representing 15 million owners of forests in Europe. Seated in Luxembourg, it promotes the sustainable management of forests through certification by independent third parties. To prospective buyers of wooden staves and paper products, the PEFC provides a warranty mechanism as regards the sustainable management of forests.
Wine industries are obviously mostly concerned about French forests. It is absolutely essential that staves be obtained from certified forests. The origin of the wood may be obtained in one of two ways. Firstly through a percentage model based on stock control and the calculation of wood or material flow, or secondly through the physical segregation of the wood. In the first instance a business may use a PEFC logo for its products if more than 70% of its input material is of certified origin. In the case of the segregation model, material of different origin should be kept and handled apart throughout the entire production process.
Sequin Moreau was the first cooperage to qualify as an eco-certified cooperage based on the PEFC guidelines. The French oak used for their barrels is consequently certified as originating from sustainably managed forests. Furthermore a "chain of custody" certification was obtained, which enables tracking of the eventual barrel to the original forest whence it hails. Most cellars do not necessarily prefer barrels made from wood of the same origin, but rather a mixture that complements their wines. Taransaud has a similar approach whereby barrels are composed according to the wine requirement of the cellars.
The World Cooperage stave mill in France is also PEFC certified. Audits are conducted annually by Bureau Veritas, whereafter they are certified or a quality plan drawn up to enable the traceability of staves.
At this stage it is not certain whether wine consumers are concerned about the certification of the wood. However, bearing in mind their general concern about related products, this should also apply to the use of wood in vinification.
More information about PEFC certification can be obtained on the website www.PEFC.org.
Reference:
Hall, L.S. 2006. Sustainable Oak Certification Guarantees Origins and Age. Wine Business Monthly, May 2006: 2 & 3.
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