ERMITAGE: UPRIGHT TANKS AND FERMENTERS - OVAL AND ROUND CASKS
RAW MATERIAL
Ermitage knowledge of forestry and long experience in sourcing the highest quality oak allows them to select the best oak suitable
for the production of large format tanks and casks.
The oak trees are primarily sourced from national forests managed by the ONF (Office National des Forêts). They are at least
one hundred years old and belong to certified PEFC forests. All of the 54 and 65 mm large oak tank staves are naturally air dried for at least 48 months.
PROJECT DESIGN
As needed, the ERMITAGE team is able to provide each individual project with full analysis to determine the technical requirements and specific needs of the winemaker at the site.
TOAST
After the tank has undergone the first shaping steps (“dolage”, jointing and “mis en rose”), it undergoes the toasting process which requires the expertise
of the cooper.
This is also the mechanical method used to bend each stave through a combination of the actions of heat and water. Using the same procedure
as with Ermitage barrels, the newly-formed tanks are slowly heated and then subjected to several hours of “bousinage”.
It is this step which reveals the true aromatic nuances of the wood as the heat penetrates deep into the heart of the oak.
ACCESSORIES
Each tank is a unique creation through which the Winemaker’s individuality and creativity may be expressed. All of Ermiatge large format tanks and casks are completely customized with a large selection of accessories.
