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What Your Sommelier Is Trying To Explain When They Mention French And American Oak By Mariana Zapata Aug. 30, 2025 6:20 pm EST

Wine is so wonderfully complex, sommeliers spend years studying it so they can understand it. This is also why the industry is plagued by many common wine myths . No, red wine isn't necessarily better aged, and you certainly can serve white wine with barbecue . Still, not everything is made up. Take, for instance, the rivalry between French and American oak. Matt Uva, wine industry professional and consultant at Ghosts in the Cellar explained to The Takeout that the difference between the two styles is significant. "French oak from cooler climates like Allier, Nevers, and Tronçais, grows slowly, producing a tighter grain. American oak i

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