barrel-fermented

adjective

bar·​rel-fer·​ment·​ed

of a wine

: fermented in small oak barrels

Chardonnay has always been this winery's go-to wine, and over the years it has been made in rich and distinctive, barrel-fermented style emphasizing bold, ripe fruit and toasty oak.

—James Laube, Wine Spectator, 30 Apr. 2008

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

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