What is the primary fermentation vessel used for white wines?

The primary fermentation vessel most commonly used for white wines is stainless steel tanks. This choice is preferred because stainless steel provides a clean, inert environment that preserves the bright, fresh qualities of white wine. The material does not impart any flavors to the wine, allowing the natural characteristics of the grape to shine through.

Stainless steel tanks also have excellent temperature control capabilities, which is crucial during fermentation for white wines. Maintaining lower fermentation temperatures helps to enhance the wine's aromatic qualities and maintain acidity, which are essential for producing high-quality white wines.

Other options like plastic containers may be less common for primary fermentation due to potential leaching and less control over temperature, while wood barrels are traditionally more associated with aging and adding complexity to the wine rather than primary fermentation. Glass carboys are primarily used for small-scale or home winemaking but are not practical for large-scale commercial fermentation due to the risk of breakage and difficulty in temperature regulation.