January 16, 2026 | vessels: variations on a theme

Vessels: Variations on a Theme

We can wax poet about the use of vessel as a metaphor but we're trying our best to remain grounded in the reality of the utility of vessel rather than the art of it all. We'll save that for a different newsletter. Winemakers have a couple of choices when deciding what they want to ferment and age their wine and this is a deeply personal choice based on culture, lineage, tradition, and (let's be real) economics. For our purposes, we're keeping it simple this week and focusing on wines made in stainless steel, clay, and oak.  So what's the difference? We'll give you the quick rundown. 

- Stainless steel allows for more precise temperature control, preserves freshness of aromas and helps enhance more delicate flavors

- Clay allows for a more subtle micro-oxygenation to occur, which can help develop more complexity while also softening tannin, but it is inert so it won't alter flavor necessarily 

- Oak. woof, where to begin. Well, oak is porous so oxygen can flow freely into the wine, no problemo. Oak can impart flavor and enhance texture. It depends if its new or old. Ahhh we'll get into it, Emily will have a lot to yap about. 

The Lineup: Gorro Loureiro Vinho Verde DOC 2024; Vellino Mtsvane Kakheti 2020; Routestock Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023

Read on to learn more about what we're sampling, then stop by on Friday from 4-7pm to try them yourself!

Gorro Loureiro Vinho Verde DOC 2024

Vellino Mtsvane Kakheti 2020

Routestock Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023