Characteristics of different wine fermenter types

Characteristics

• Glass Carboys and Demijohns

  simple and inexpensive

  small batches of white or rosé wine

  great for beginner winemakers

• Plastic Buckets and Bins

  versatile and inexpensive

  open top for red wine punch down

  great for beginner winemakers

• Wood Barrels

  trongly affects the flavor of grape juice stored inside

  great for aging and malolactic fermentation

  used for fermenting Chardonnay and similar grape sorts

  difficult to maintain

  expensive

  not suitable for red wine fermentation

• Stainless Steel Tanks

  very versatile; can be used for fermentation, aging, and storage

  chemically inert, flavorless, and odorless (best representation of the fruit)

  offers a high level of temperature control (glycol jacket, insulation)

  very easy to maintain and sanitize

  extremely durable

  cost-effective (low cost per gallon and keeps resell value for decades)

  great choice for both red and white wine fermentation

DEGONG stainless steel fermentation tanks

• Wood Tanks

  similar characteristics to a wood barrel (oxygenation, character, concentration), but has a larger surface area

  also difficult to maintain

  more economical than oak barrels

  can be used for either red or white wine fermentation, but not both (color carry-over due to pigment retention)

• Concrete Tanks

  can be cast into almost any shape imaginable

  acts as a temperature stabilizer (cool during hot days, and warm during cold nights)

  micro-oxygenation and concentration

  have to be cleaned regularly

  can last for decades before cracking

  expensive

  good option for experienced winemakers

• Clay Pots

  oldest wine fermenter type (used for over 8000 years)

  great insulation (low-temperature fermentations)

  naturally stable

  micro-oxygenation and concentration

  difficult to procure

  labor-intensive wine production

  small volume

  hard to sanitize (can crack under hot water)

  recommended for organic and natural winemakers

There are a couple of major points to consider before choosing a wine fermenter. The most important one is the sort of wine you'll be making - white, red or rose. This will steer you either toward open top fermenters for red wine, or closed top (sealed) fermenters for white wine and rose.

Another is how much of the grape character and aroma you want to keep. If you want to preserve the fruity flavor, you should look towards inert fermenters.

Conclusion

As it is with every decision in the winemaking process, picking the right fermenter is not an easy choice.

While there are plenty of fermentation vessels to choose from, there is no single best option. Each of these wine fermenter types has its advantages and disadvantages. You will have to find your own mix of versatility, durability, and fermentation control.

In the end, the decision comes down to the wine flavors you wish to accentuate.