How fast to French oak chips work?

[infinitenexus]

I added a couple full handfuls to 1 gallon of blackberry wine. I've ready that chips flavor the wine a lot quicker than staves and of course barrels, but how quickly? Will 2 months be enough impart some tannins and flavor into my blackberry wine?

 

[roblloyd]

I think you should taste test it after 2 weeks and see what you think. I think I read somewhere that they are good for 4-6 weeks before they are maxed out. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[ibglowin]

+1

They give up the goods in 2 weeks.

 

[Runningwolf]

+1

They give up the goods in 2 weeks.

I went out with a girl that did the same thing 30 years ago

 

[roadwarriorsvt]

Infin, good question. Thanks for asking. This is good to know.

Dan, does your wife ever read this thread? You must have a comfortable couch!

 

[ibglowin]

Bwahahahahahaha!

 

[Wade E]

A couple of handfuls to 1 gallon!!!! I think you better check it now and very frequently as thats a lot of chips for 1 gallon!

 

[ibglowin]

How about 2-3 oz for 6 gallons!

 

[Wade E]

Thats right on but from what it sounds a couple full handfuls would be that same or more then that for 1 gallon. Luckily its French oak as anything else would have probably already done too much oaking.

 

[infinitenexus]

Well, I tend to like a pretty hefty amount of French oak in my red wines, so I put a good amount in there. Glad to know it's that quick though, I'll check it in 2 weeks. My wine is still finishing up it's fermenting, it's at 1.01 if I remember correctly.