Where Does White Oak Grow Best?
White oak grows best in parts of North-America. White oak makes up for the majority of North-America’s oak forests as it remains the area’s native oak species. It is greatly appreciated by several winemakers for
White oak grows best in parts of North-America. White oak makes up for the majority of North-America’s oak forests as it remains the area’s native oak species. It is greatly appreciated by several winemakers for its unique set of traits.
The white oak forests are mainly found in the areas of Minnesota, Maine, Florida, Texas, Ontario, and Quebec. These are where the ideal growing conditions are found.
The key difference between white oak, compared to others (like Slavonian oak, Hungarian Oak and French oak) is the rate at which it grows. The growing conditions of Northern America are considerably warmer than most of the European oak producing countries. This means that the trees generally grow faster and have larger pores.
These pores are significant since it determines the amount of oxygen that is allowed through the barrels and into the wine. So in essence, American oak allows for more oxygen contact than Hungarian, Slavonian, and French oak.
White oak is considered a rare oak species – which makes it an even greater asset when used for wine production. When using white oak compared to other European oak, however, it is important to note the key differences of these species.
So, white oak does better in the conditions that North-American countries offer.
These conditions are largely what allows for the unique white oak traits to develop and impact the wine so significantly. While French oak and Slavonian oak barrels often offer a spicier note with aromas of cloves, nutmeg, and often smoke.
American oak, however, is more commonly associated with sweeter aromas, like vanilla and coconut.
