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Frequently asked question

FAQ

For all questions you would like to ask us about our business, offer and production, feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to answer you as soon as possible. And until we answer your email, you can read the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

How to wash (prepare) a wooden barrel?

Cold water procedure that we recommend to our clients:

  1. Place the barrel vertically
  2. Fill the barrel with cold water to the top
  3. Place the cap and leave it full for the next 24 hours
  4. Empty the barrel
  5. Turn the barrel with the hole down and leave it to drain for 5 hours
  6. Return the barrel to its original position and fill it with brandy or wine

Can I leave the barrel empty?

The barrel should not be left empty, and we will list several reasons.

Drying of wooden components: wood has the property of absorbing and releasing liquids. When the barrels are left empty, the wooden components can dry out.

Development of undesirable odors and tastes: If empty barrels are not maintained properly, the development of undesirable odors and tastes can occur. Empty barrels are susceptible to the growth of microorganisms and the appearance of mold if not adequately cleaned and disinfected.

Oxidation: Empty barrels can be exposed to oxidation, especially if they are exposed to air for a long time. Oxidation can affect the quality of the wine or brandy when reused.

To preserve the quality of wooden barrels, it is recommended to use them regularly or keep them filled with a smaller amount of liquid.

Periodic filling maintains humidity inside the barrels and prevents the wooden components from drying out.

 It is also important to follow recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures to prevent the development of undesirable odors, mold and contamination.

 In any case, it is important to follow the barrel manufacturer’s recommendations and consult with experts in the wine and brandy industry to ensure proper treatment and maintenance of wooden barrels.

How long can Barrique barrels be used?

Wooden Barrique barrels are extremely durable and long-lasting, but the duration depends on several factors. It is generally accepted that wooden barrels can be used from 5 to 10 years, but there are cases where they can be used even longer.

The duration of wooden barrels depends on several factors, such as:

Wood quality: quality wood that is properly prepared and processed has a longer life.

Use and maintenance: proper use and regular maintenance of barrels can extend their life. This includes cleaning, washing, disinfecting and properly storing barrels between uses.

Type of liquor: different types of liquor can affect barrel life. For example, wine usually requires a shorter aging time in barrels compared to brandy.

It should be pointed out that wooden barrels can become less effective over time due to the loss of aroma and the leakage of liquid through the pores of the wood. However, even after the barrels are no longer used for aging liquor, they can be used for various purposes as decorative components, for storage or for other creative projects.

In order to make the most of the wooden barrique barrels, it is recommended to regularly monitor their condition, maintain hygiene and carefully monitor the taste and aroma of the liquors that age in the barrels.

Why and how are barrique barrels toasted (charred)?

Toasting or charring of wooden barrels is a process that is applied to achieve certain aroma, taste and character of wine or other liquor that is ageing in barrels.

It is important to emphasize that the intensity of toasting can significantly affect the character of the liquor. Different levels of toasting can be used to achieve the desired aroma and flavor profile, allowing producers to create different styles of wine or other liquors.

In order to achieve the desired toasting results, it is important to use quality wood and carefully monitor the process to achieve a balance between the aroma, taste and integrity of the liquor.

 

Toasting (charring) of barrels
Average temperature  °C
Cycle  1* (min)
Cycle 2* (min)
Total time

Light toasting (LT)

180
35′
0′
35′

Medium toasting (MT)

200
35′
1′
36′

Medium plus toasting (MT+)

210
40′
5′
45′

Heavy toasting (HAT)

220
35′
3′
38′

What is the importance of aging wine in wooden barrels and the impact on the quality and taste of wine?

The importance of aging wine in wooden barrels is a key factor in the development of its quality and taste. Here are some aspects that illustrate the importance of aging wine in wooden barrels:

Micro-oxygenation: wooden barrels enable controlled micro-oxygenation of wine. Through the porosity of the wood, the wine comes into contact with a small amount of oxygen, which can contribute to gradual oxidation and a change in taste. This micro-oxygenation can contribute to the development of complex and harmonious aromas in the wine.

Aroma transfer: wooden barrels can transfer certain aromas to the wine. Complex chemical substances present in wood, such as lignins and tannins, can be gradually released into the wine during the aging process. This can contribute to the development of characteristic aromas, such as vanilla, spices and woody tones.

Refinement of the structure: the tannins present in the wood can be transferred to the wine during the aging process. These tannins can add texture, complexity and structure to wine, making it smooth and rounded. Refinement of wine structure can be especially important for tannic wines, such as red wines.

Gradual release of aromas: wooden barrels can gradually release aromas over a longer period of aging. This allows for the gradual matching and integration of aromas with the wine, creating a complex and balanced flavor profile.

It is important to note that the aging process of wine in wooden barrels requires patience and careful monitoring.

The time spent in the barrels, the type of wood, the intensity of toasting and the matching with the wine variety are some of the factors that can affect the final result. Proper aging of wine in wooden barrels can result in deep, rich and elegant wines that have their own distinctive character.

How to keep wooden barrels in good condition and extend their life span?

Keeping wooden barrels in good condition and extending their life span requires certain steps and attention. Here are some tips on how to maintain wooden barrels:

Thorough cleaning: after each use, the barrels should be thoroughly cleaned to remove the remains of wine or brandy. Rinse the inside of the barrel with water to remove any impurities. Be careful not to use abrasives or strong chemicals that can damage the wood.

Storage in a suitable place: wooden barrels should be stored in a suitable place that is well ventilated and has controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause deformation and damage to the wood.

Periodic inspection: regularly inspect the barrels to detect any cracks, leaks or other defects. If you notice any problems, repair them in a timely manner or replace the damaged barrel.

Proper filling: when filling barrels with new wine or brandy, take care of the correct procedure and follow the instructions carefully. Consultation with wine or distillery experts is recommended to obtain the best results.

Proper maintenance of wooden barrels helps preserve their functionality and quality over a long period of time.

Also, maintaining hygiene and proper care of the barrels allows you to continue enjoying the top quality of wine and brandy.

How to achieve the desired aroma and taste of wine and brandy in wooden barrels?

Achieving the desired aroma and taste of wine and brandy in wooden barrels depends on several factors and processes that take place during aging. Here are some key components that contribute to achieving the desired characteristics:

Wood and type of barrels: choosing the right type of wood for making barrels has a significant impact on the aroma and taste of the wine. Oak is the most commonly used wood for the production of barrels due to its properties, but other woods such as acacia can also be used. Each tree has its own specific chemical ingredients that can impart certain aromas and flavors to the wine.

Barrel toasting: the process of toasting, or heating the inner surface of the barrel, plays a key role in the development of aroma and taste. Toasting can add different layers of complexity and character, such as notes of vanilla, caramel, spice and smoke. The intensity of toasting can be adjusted according to the desired results.

Aging time: the time the wine spends in wooden barrels is also an important factor. Longer aging allows the gradual release of aromas and flavors from the wood, leading to complexity and harmony. The aging time also allows for the integration and harmonization of all the components of the wine.

Micro-oxygenation: wooden barrels enable the controlled transfer of oxygen into the wine, which can contribute to gradual oxidation and the development of specific aromas. This process, known as micro-oxygenation, can introduce an additional dimension of complexity to the wine and contribute to desired characteristics.

It is important that wine and brandy producers carefully monitor the aging process and regularly taste samples to assess progress and achieve the desired results. Each producer has his own specific methods and techniques that he uses to achieve the desired aroma and taste in wooden barrels, taking into account the varieties of wine and brandy, regional characteristics and styles.

Ultimately, achieving the desired aroma and taste in wooden barrels requires balancing various factors and an individual approach.

The aging process and the interaction of wine with wood represent a unique art that can result in extraordinary wines and brandies with a recognizable character.

Is the logo included in the price?

Logo creation is free and included in the price.

Our new laser engraving logo service allows you to add a professional and elegant look to your barrels. Whether you own a winery, distillery or simply want to personalize barrels for a special occasion, logo engraving provides a unique identity to your product.

You can provide us with your logo in digital format and we will carefully transfer it to your wooden barrel.

Here you can download /download/ instruction (pdf 1.89 MB)  for storing barrels in order to preserve their quality, as well as the cold-water protocol.

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