Stainless steel fermentation
/ˌsteɪnləs ˈstiːl ˌfɜːrmənˈteɪʃən/
winemaking, fermentation, vessels, stainless-steel, white-wine, rose-wine, unoaked, aroma-preservation, modern-techniques, reductive•Last updated January 8, 2026
Stainless steel fermentation is a winemaking process in which grape juice or must is fermented in stainless steel tanks, an inert and non-porous material that does not add flavors to the wine. This setup allows precise temperature control and limited oxygen exposure, helping preserve fresh, clean, and fruit‑driven primary aromas.
Examples
- A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks to retain intense citrus and herbaceous aromas, with no oak flavors.
- An Italian Pinot Grigio from Veneto is labeled "stainless steel fermented" and marketed as crisp, fresh, and unoaked, emphasizing pure fruit character.
- A winery ferments Chardonnay in stainless steel, then transfers part of the wine to barrels for aging, blending fruit‑driven stainless‑steel‑fermented lots with oak‑aged components for added complexity.