Oak - age and size considerations

Aug 08, 2006 3 Replies
R

After a few years of smaller batches (5 to 25 gallons) of wines, will be moving up to some larger crushes this year - 30+ gallons. Am interested in moving to oak barrels this year or next, but have some concerns - and would apprecaite any experience you can share.


  • Size. Have read often "small barrels leak too much". Have been considering

30 gallon barrels. Any experience with this size barrel? Leak probelms?
  • Age of oak. I tend to prefer very subtly oaked wine - not a fan of the 'oaky' styles. Am concerned with the potential to 'over-oak' with new oak barrels. Any suggestions on soak treatments with new barrels to soften the character?

Veraison here in the vineyard - vines are netted, and getting jazzed up for the new season!


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P

Suggest you try someplace like

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I have not bought any barrels from them but I noticed that they do sell re-conditioned barrels. I think the 30 gallon or 120 liter is a good size to have.

I am sure they will give you directions on how to care for your barrel.

If you live in the Baltimore area you can get re-conditioned barrels from S&S wine grapes during harvest season.

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M

I don't think size has anything to do with the barrel leaking or not. The quality of construction does. I have a 5 gallon and it doesn't leak at all.

The rec> After a few years of smaller batches (5 to 25 gallons) of wines, will be

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R

Thanks Marty. I have been in correspondence with recoop for many months - glad you also recommend them. and am also glad to ehr that your smaller barrels aren't leaking - but I have to tell you, this 'small barrel leakage' is a recurring refrain. However, a seperate correspondence pointed out to me that the cooperage on the 30 gal barrels is very similar in nature to the

50 - and that they had not had any leakage with their 30 gal barrels.

I think I'll be taking your recommend to go with a medium minus recoop barrel. thanks

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