Which materials are commonly used to make inert winery vessels?

Stainless steel and concrete are widely used to create inert winery vessels because they are non-reactive materials that do not interact with wine. This property is crucial in winemaking, as it helps preserve the wine's intended flavors and aromas without any risk of contamination or alteration during fermentation and storage.

Stainless steel is particularly favored for its durability, ease of cleaning, and ability to maintain a stable temperature, which is essential during the fermentation process. Its surface also discourages the growth of bacteria, making it hygienic. Concrete, often used in the form of fermentation tanks, offers advantages like excellent thermal mass, which helps regulate temperature variations. It can also be lined or treated to enhance its inert qualities.

While other materials like glass and wood may be used in certain winemaking applications, they do not provide the same level of inertness that stainless steel and concrete offer. For instance, wood can impart flavors to the wine due to its porous nature, and glass, while inert, is typically more fragile and not used for large vessels in the same way. Ceramics and plastics can also be subject to reactions depending on their composition, thus making them less desirable for long-term wine storage.