Oak Solutions Group has launched Next Generation, a new line of oak chips debuted at the 2011 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium.

“Through 25 years of crafting alternatives and a commitment to serving as a leader in our industry, we have created the next generation,” said Ed Larmie, director. “We combined what we’ve learned through trials, science and technology to forge a new frontier.”

Next Generation oak chips are the latest release from the forward-thinking ?vOAK product line. As part of the development process, Oak Solutions Group’s research team identified three primary factors that influence what an oak alternative can do for wine: intensity (overall oak impact), mouthfeel (the perception of weight on the palate) and structure (length on the palate, framework of the wine).
Next Generation oak chips were then developed to represent ideal combinations of these three attributes while capitalizing on the unique properties of French and American oak.

“For years, many have defined the anticipated flavor of oak alternatives by the color derived during the toasting process,” explains David Llodrá, research and development director. “However, it’s been proven that color chemistry is not directly linked to flavor. While ‘medium toast’ and ‘high toast’ descriptors do help distinguish between products, Next Generation chips are defined by a new way of thinking – the true impact of a product on wine.”

Next Generation chips also benefit from new advancements in toasting technology.

“We developed a new process and corresponding technology that can change temperature quickly and more accurately,” said Llodrá. “This creates unique flavors through precise manipulation of French and American oak’s many attributes”.

Next Generation offers four variations (NG.354A, NG.455A, NG466F and NG567F), allowing winemakers to select the best match for each wine.

“We launched Next Generation at Unified, and the response was immediate,” said Larmie. “We look forward to continuing to respond to the widespread interest in these products, including demand for bench trial sample kits.”

Oak Solutions Group is a premium oak products company focused on providing expert advice and unparalleled selection. Oak Solutions Group distributes two innovative product lines, ?vOAK, forward thinking oak products and tr?/tan, innovative oak tannins.