Stainless steel aging
/ˈsteɪnləs stiːl ˈeɪdʒɪŋ/
winemaking, aging, maturation, vessels, stainless-steel, unoaked, white-wine, rosé, freshness, aroma-preservation, cellar-technique•Last updated January 11, 2026
Stainless steel aging is a winemaking practice in which wine is matured and/or stored in stainless steel tanks rather than in wooden barrels or other porous vessels, in order to maintain a clean, neutral environment. This technique helps preserve primary fruit aromas, freshness, acidity, and varietal purity without adding oak flavors or significant oxygen influence.
Examples
- A Sauvignon Blanc labeled "fermented and aged in stainless steel" to highlight its bright citrus, herbal notes, and crisp acidity with no vanilla or toast from oak.
- A Provence rosé that spends several months aging on fine lees in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to build texture while preserving delicate red fruit and floral aromas.
- An unoaked Chardonnay marketed as "stainless steel aged" to signal a fresh, fruit-forward style focused on apple and lemon flavors rather than creamy, oaky character.