American Oak from barrels unlimited

Petite Syrah is big enough to easily take new American oak. Most Cabernet is too.

Since you have the option, why not do _both_? French oak tastes great, but the nose isn't as racy as American oak.

Tom S

Good suggestion Tom, but it could be pricey for a hobbyist to have both. I do note that some vineyards do a year in each. What would your opinion be on using a French barrel and adding American oak cubes to it?

Ray

The oak would really come on strong in that combination if the barrel and the cubes are new! Using one barrel of each and blending would be more sane.

I recently saw barrels coopered from a mixture of American and French oaks. I don't remember who offered them, but that sounds interesting to me.

Tom S

---snip

That is the way to go! Tried it and using both flavors favors many rich reds. There is something raw in the american oak that lend itself very well in some wines. Could that be why some Aussie winemakers specifically as well as now several US winemakers are going both routes?

SG Brix