What are Clayvers?

Clayvers are a Cay Ceramic vessel designed specifically for the fermentation, storage and aging alcoholic bevereages – in particular wine.

All Clayvers are produced in house by Clayver, using raw materials that are carefully selected from the best suppliers. This ensures final product is uniform and consistent. 

Why Clay Ceramic?

Ceramic Stoneware is a homogeneous material, with considerable resistance to compression, good resistance to flex-traction, and a high hardness.

Porous and Permeable for gas exchange, yet Impermeable to liquids

Clayver ceramic wine barrels are made of a particular homogeneous and compact natural ceramic stoneware. This material is similar in many aspects to a natural granite: it is impermeable to liquids and therefore it does not need any precaution in order to avoid evaporation. The intrinsic microporous structure of the ceramic material can allow a gaseous exchange with the outside of the container but only in limited quantities and on very long time scales. The container is therefore also suitable for long aging.

Wood

Material: Oak 

Porus: Yes

Permeable: Yes

Cleaning: Hot Pressure Wash, Cold Pressure Wash, Steam.

Limitations: New oak imparts flavour which may be undesirable for certain wines.  Limited lifespan. 

Steel

Material: Stainless Steel

Porus: No

Permeable: No

Cleaning: Caustic, Soft Alkalines, Mild Acids, Hot Pressure Wash, Cold Pressure Wash, Steam.

Limitations: Natural aging ability is low due to the lack of porosity and permeability

CLAYVER

Material: High Fire Clay

Porus: Yes

Permeable: Yes

Cleaning: Caustic, Soft Alkalines, Mild Acids, Hot Pressure Wash, Cold Pressure Wash, Steam (providing it is cooled naturally)

Benefits: High fire ceramic clay is hard and unreactive meaning no coating is required before use with wine. 

Terracotta

Material: Low Fire Clay

Porous: Yes

Permeable: Yes

Cleaning: Something Gentle

Limitations: Compared to clay ceramic, terracotta is soft and has a much higher porosity (often excessive), meaning it may require waterproofing.