Chemical and chromatic characteristics of Tempranillo,Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines from DO Navarra aged in Spanish and French oak barrels

The oenological quality of Spanish oak wood from Navarra (Quercus petraea Liebl.) in relation to French wood of recognised quality in cooperage has been evaluated. We have studied the effects of the Spanish wood on wine evolution during ageing, in regards to chromatic characteristics, polyphenols, and volatile compounds related to oak wood, in three different mono-varietal wines (cv. Tempranillo, cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and cv. Merlot) from the Origin Denomination Navarra. The results were compared with those obtained for the same wines aged in French oak barrels from central regions of France, obtained from five different French and Spanish cooperages.