French term for a large wooden aging tank. These range in size from 2,000 to 12,000 liters and are commonly made from French oak. The large size and concomitant low surface to volume ratio creates a less oxidative aging environment than in smaller barriques. Foudres are often kept in service for many years, resulting in a neutral aging vessel that imparts little or no oak flavor or tannin to the wine.
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