By Alexander Newman, Founder of Newport Cellar
In the world of winemaking, a distinctive trend has surfaced, quite literally, from the depths of the ocean, offering an innovative twist on the traditional aging process. This method involves submerging wine bottles or barrels in the ocean, where the unique underwater conditions impart distinct characteristics to the wine. While the practice may be considered niche, it has caught the attention of the wine community worldwide, including renowned companies like Veuve Clicquot, and has inspired us at Newport Cellar to explore the depths of ocean-aged wines.
The Inspiration Behind Ocean Aging
The intrigue of ocean-aged wine was sparked by historical finds of wines lost at sea in shipwrecks, later discovered decades later with their quality preserved or even enhanced. This spurred winemakers to explore underwater aging deliberately. Among these, Veuve Clicquot's experiment with submerging Champagne in the Baltic Sea and Gaia Winery in Greece's trials with bottles beneath the Mediterranean are notable examples.
Why Age Wine in the Ocean?
The ocean provides a stable and unique aging environment, offering constant cool temperatures, complete darkness, pressure, and an absence of oxygen. These factors contribute differently to the wine's aging process compared to traditional cellar aging. The sea's gentle, continuous movement also promotes a unique interaction between the wine and its lees, which can speed up the aging process while maintaining, if not enhancing, the wine's quality. Wines aged under the sea have been described as more rounded, elegant, and with fresher fruit notes than their land-aged counterparts.
The Taste of the Ocean
Wines aged in the ocean are reported to develop unique characteristics. Some tasters note a greater intensity of color, a reduction in herbaceous and vegetable aromas, and an enhancement of primary fruit and floral notes. The taste is often described as silkier with a greater sense of freshness, sometimes accompanied by a subtle saline character, which adds complexity without the saltwater ever interacting directly with the wine.
A Sustainable Venture
Beyond its novel approach and unique tasting experience, ocean aging presents an opportunity for sustainability. The practice highlights the potential for the wine industry to positively impact the environment while exploring innovative aging methods.
Embracing Innovation
At Newport Cellar, we are inspired by the pioneering spirit of companies like Veuve Clicquot. As we delve into the possibilities of ocean-aged wine, we aim to embrace an innovative approach that respects and utilizes the natural environment, offering our patrons a unique flavor profile that can only be achieved through this distinctive aging process.
This journey into the depths of wine aging is a commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the continuous discovery of how nature can collaborate in the art of winemaking. We invite you to join us in experiencing the remarkable qualities that ocean-aged wines have to offer.
Stay tuned for our ocean-aged releases and discover how the sea's depths can elevate the heights of flavor.
Cheers,
Alex
Comentarios