Inner lining of the terracotta jars: different choices, different objectives

“Terracotta, unlike wood does not confer aromas to wine – explains Bartoletti – It has an extraordinary capacity for thermal insulation which enables wine to be kept in optimal conditions. The inner lining of the terracotta jars can be decided according to the end results desired. The use of terracotta without any coating allows an intense oxygenation of the wine matured in the jar. With the use of an inner lining such as beeswax part of the gaseous exchange with the outside is reduced, and to further limit it to a bare minimum the inside of the jar can be coated with epoxy resin “.

In short the three choices, and the three different objectives:

1) Jar without lining

Allows maximum permeability of oxygen favouring the maturation of wine, polymerisation and the condensation of tannins and anthocyanins in red wines. Absolutely recommended for all varieties of grape whose resulting wines tend to reduce during aging and which need a good supply of oxygen in order to better express their characteristics.

2) Jar lined with beeswax

Limits the permeability of oxygen thus protecting the wine during aging and enables the jar to be buried in the ground without risk of seepage. Moreover, coating the jar with wax allows more effective cleaning after use.

3) Jar with epoxy coating

Allows the perfect hygiene of the jar before and after use. Greatly limits the passage of oxygen and allows the better management of wines which need a reduction favouring environment. Also ideal for storing wines whose maturation process is finished while they are waiting to be bottled.

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The story of Eclipse

interview with the owners of Eclipse L.L.C., a winery from Tbilisi in Georgia, who became customers of Artenova in 2020

Why did you choose to use Jars made by Artenova?

“The decision to order specifically from Impruneta stems from a variety of factors, it is no secret that getting ceramic jars made domestically in Georgia would have been a lot easier both logistically and financially; yet here at Eclipse we take on a quality first approach. We believe that Georgian grape varieties as well as European grapes grown in Georgia will be able to compete with the main wine producers in Europe due to our rich history of wine making and thousands of soil types available for our usage. We use Bucher-Vaslin equipment in our processes, Limousin oak barrels for our barrel wine and Impruneta qvevri jars as a belief that quality is not to be sacrificed”.