Oaky wines – Barrel aging and elegance

Discover our selection of oaky wines

Oak-aged wines, produced using oak barrels , captivate wine lovers with their aromatic richness and complexity. Whether full-bodied reds or opulent whites, barrel aging imparts toasty, vanilla, grilled, or spicy notes, depending on the degree of toasting and the aging period. At Les Vins de Carole, we have selected wines where the oak enhances the fruit without ever overpowering it.

Woody reds: power and roundness

Oaky red wines are generally aged for 6 to 24 months in barrels, which gives them structure, body, and elegant secondary aromas. You'll find notes of cocoa, mocha, vanilla, precious wood, smoke … Ideal for:

• A Bordeaux aged in oak barrels (Margaux, Saint-Émilion, Pessac-Léognan)
• A Languedoc with spicy accents (Minervois, Corbières, La Clape)
• A Rioja Reserva or Priorat (Spain)
• A New World Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile, California)

Perfect with grilled red meats, dishes with sauce, hard cheeses, game…

Oaky whites: opulence and finesse

White wines aged in oak barrels gain in texture and complex aromas: hazelnut, toast, fresh butter, vanilla, brioche . Ideally, oak aging respects the wine's balance without masking its freshness. Recommended:

• A Meursault or Chassagne-Montrachet (Burgundy)
• A Chardonnay from Limoux or the Jura
• A Loire Chenin Blanc aged on lees
• A lightly oaked Viognier from the Rhône or Languedoc region

Pair with gourmet dishes: fish in sauce, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, pan-fried foie gras.

Wood: an art of balance

Barrel aging should never mask the wine but rather bring it structure, volume, and complexity . We select wines where aging is expertly managed, harmoniously integrating the aromas of the wood with the characteristics of the grape variety and the terroir.

Tasting tips

Oaked wines benefit from being aerated an hour before serving, or even lightly decanted. Serve reds between 16 and 18°C, and whites between 11 and 13°C. They can be aged for 3 to 10 years depending on the appellation.

Our "Wooden" collection

At Les Vins de Carole, our "Boisé" collection showcases elegant and warming wines, where oak subtly enriches the wine. A refined choice for lovers of complex and full-bodied wines.