Vat

vat, large container for storing wine and/or ageing or maturation. A vat may also be used as a fermentation vessel. In English-speaking countries they may also be known as tanks; in France they are called cuves.

For many centuries, wood was the most common material but in the mid to late 20th century inert materials such as concrete, enamel, epoxy resin, and stainless steel replaced wood except in particularly traditional or traditionalist areas. At the start of the 21st century, wooden fermentation vats were once again becoming more fashionable though they are very expensive.