28/11/2025

Why do we use concrete tanks in winemaking?

In a wine world that often talks about barrels, stainless steel and amphorae, concrete tanks can seem understated. Yet they are central to our identity at Domaine La Doussinière. A deliberate choice, sometimes against the current, guided entirely by precision and purity of fruit. 🎯 1. Natural thermal inertia, ideal for controlled fermentation Concrete has an essential property: it keeps temperature stable . No sudden variations, no heat spikes during fermentation, no stress for the yeasts. The result: steady, slower fermentation, gentle extraction, optimal respect for the fruit. This stability makes for more precise, finer and more harmonious wines. It is particularly crucial for our old vines planted in 1955, whose grapes show remarkable concentration and sensitivity. 🍇 2. Natural micro-oxygenation, without disguise Unlike stainless steel, which is completely airtight, concrete lets wine breathe. It offers subtle, steady micro-oxygenation , without excess. This allows: more harmonious development, natural colour stabilisation, softer tannins, a more velvety texture. All this without introducing outside aromas , unlike oak, which leaves a stronger imprint. Concrete fully respects the identity of the grapes , the truth of the vintage and the expression of the terroir. 🔍 3. No added aromas: fruit always comes first Our approach to wine is one of purity. No flavouring from the container. No disguise. No stylistic flourishes. A concrete tank is ideal for this: it gives structure without dressing the wine up, it refines texture without changing the aromas. What the glass reveals is the grape, not the vessel. 🧱 4. A durable, stable material consistent with our organic approach A well-built concrete tank can last several decades. It withstands heat, impacts and the passage of time. It fits our approach perfectly: working cleanly and sustainably, with minimal impact. Its raw, mineral, natural character reflects what we want our wines to convey. 🍷 5. The result in the glass Wines that are: precise, taut, pure, without excess, faithful to the terroir. Our cuvées— L’Originel, L’Authentic and L’Essentiel —reflect this technical choice. Wines for fine dining with a clear signature: that of their substance, not a disguise. 💬 Conclusion The concrete tank is not a passing fashion. It is a demanding, consistent, patient and remarkably precise tool. That is why we chose it, and why we will continue our winemaking in this direction. To produce honest, focused, deep and authentic wines.