Concrete tank
Concrete vats, prized for their thermal inertia and measured porosity, enable round, fruity wines to be made without the addition of wood. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they are ideal for vinification and ageing, although they do require rigorous maintenance. Their aromatic neutrality and ability to maintain stable conditions are winning over more and more winemakers.
Concrete tank: a versatile, timeless container
Long overshadowed by stainless steel vats, concrete vats are once again taking pride of place in modern wineries. Popular for their ability to reveal the purity and freshness of wines, they are winning over winemakers looking for a balance between tradition and innovation.The advantages of concrete vats
Thermal inertia
Concrete is renowned for its insulating qualities: it absorbs and releases heat slowly, providing natural thermal regulation. This inertia prevents sudden variations in temperature during fermentation and ageing, an essential asset for preserving the stability of the wine.Measured micro-oxygenation
Thanks to its porous walls, concrete allows a subtle exchange with oxygen, helping to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic development of the wines. This contribution remains limited, but is sufficient to obtain balanced, complex wines, without the woody aromas of oak barrels.
Neutrality and durability
Concrete does not alter the taste of wine, thanks to its natural neutrality. When perfectly maintained, this material is extremely durable, offering winemakers a long-term investment for their vats.The advantages of concrete vats
Thermal inertia
Concrete is renowned for its insulating qualities: it absorbs and releases heat slowly, providing natural thermal regulation. This inertia prevents sudden variations in temperature during fermentation and ageing, an essential asset for preserving the stability of the wine.Measured micro-oxygenation
Thanks to its porous walls, concrete allows a subtle exchange with oxygen, helping to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic development of the wines. This contribution remains limited, but is sufficient to obtain balanced, complex wines, without the woody aromas of oak barrels.Neutrality and durability
Concrete does not alter the taste of wine, thanks to its natural neutrality. When perfectly maintained, this material is extremely durable, offering winemakers a long-term investment for their vats.A wide variety of shapes and designs
Concrete vats come in a variety of shapes and styles to suit the different stages of winemaking and ageing:- Square vats: Very popular for their ergonomic design and ability to optimise space in the cellar.
- Ovoid and spherical tanks: Inspired by ancient amphorae, these allow the lees to move naturally and constantly, ideal for round, fruity wines.
- Truncated cone-shaped tanks: Perfect for macerations, they allow optimum extraction of aromas and tannins.
Limits and precautions to take
More demanding cleaning
Rough concrete walls retain scale easily, making cleaning more complex than for stainless steel tanks. Specific treatment, such as the use of soda ash followed by tartaric acid, is essential to ensure optimum hygiene.Epoxy resin coatings
To simplify maintenance and limit the risk of contamination, some concrete tanks are coated with epoxy resin. However, this treatment reduces the natural porosity of the concrete, limiting the benefits of micro-oxygenation.Applications for concrete tanks
Concrete tanks are suitable for all types of winemaking:- Fermentation : Their thermal stability and controlled porosity make them an ideal choice for long fermentations.
- Maturation : They allow the wines to be worked on their lees with a measured supply of oxygen, without masking the characteristics of the grape variety or terroir.