Concrete Barrels – The Forgotten Treasure of Wine Cellars
When thinking of wine storage today, most people picture wooden barrels or modern stainless steel tanks. However, a closer look – like here – reveals an almost forgotten method: concrete barrels.
From the 1970s onwards, they were a real revolution in many wineries. Made of solid concrete, they were lined with glass tiles or stainless steel and used for fermentation and storage of wine. Their thick walls naturally ensured constant temperatures – a significant advantage during the sensitive ripening phase.
Solid. Quiet. And full of character.
Concrete barrels influence wine in their own unique way:
They do not impart aromas but allow tiny amounts of oxygen to pass through – resulting in particularly round, harmonious wines. They are considered neutral, but by no means boring.
Once regarded as modern – today they are witnesses to an exciting phase of viticulture.
Concrete is making a comeback
Concrete has never completely disappeared. Since the 1990s, concrete containers have been quietly making a comeback – especially in France, Spain, and also in Germany.
A Piece of Wine History You Can Touch
The concrete barrels displayed here are not mere decoration, but genuine witnesses of history. They tell the story of a time when winemaking took new paths – and of the courage to experiment with materials that are not immediately associated with enjoyment.
Perhaps you have already tasted a wine that has matured in concrete – without even knowing it.
