What types of wine barrels are there, and what are they used for? This is one of the questions we will answer in this article.
The world of wine is a fascinating and complex one, and one of the most interesting aspects is the use of barrels in the ageing process. Barrels are not just storage containers; they play a crucial role in defining the character and flavour of the wine. Get ready to find out!
History and evolution of barrels
Although it is difficult to pinpoint when they were first used for wine, it is known that the Celts, experts in woodworking, were already using barrels to store different liquids. The Romans, encountering these practices in their conquests, adopted and perfected the use of barrels for transporting wine.
With the decline of the Roman Empire, barrel making passed into the hands of European monks, particularly in regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux in France. These monks not only perfected barrel making, but also began to notice how the wine changed and improved over time in these vessels.
Before the development of stable bottles and advances in chemistry, which allowed a better understanding of the fermentation and ageing processes, barrels were essential for the storage and transportation of wine. With these advances, the barrel became an element dedicated to the ageing and improvement of wine, rather than a simple container. This rich history of wine and its evolution is one of the many fascinating aspects you can explore on our Barcelona wine tours, where we delve into the traditions and innovations that have shaped the wine industry.
What types of barrels are there?
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Oak barrels
More than 90% of the barrels used for wine are made of oak, due to their unique qualities that significantly improve the taste of the wine. Within this category, the most common are:
French oak barrels
These barrels come from various forests in France, each known for its unique characteristics. For example, the forests of Allier are famous for their fine grain, while Limousin is known for a coarser grain.
French oak has a finer grain and a higher density compared to other oaks. This allows for more controlled oxygenation during the ageing process, which in turn subtly affects the characteristics of the wine.
It brings complexity, elegance and refined notes. Wines aged in French oak often have flavour profiles that include spice, vanilla and a hint of subtle oak. The texture it imparts tends to be smoother and silkier.
American oak barrels
This type of oak comes mainly from the United States, with notable production in states such as Missouri and Kentucky.
It has a wider grain and is less dense than French oak. This structure allows for a greater release of certain chemical compounds such as lactones, which are responsible for distinctive aromas.
Wines aged in American oak tend to have bolder and more noticeable flavours of vanilla, coconut and sometimes a hint of caramel. These barrels can more aggressively influence the wine’s profile, often adding a more robust texture.
Other oak barrels
Although less common, there are barrels made from oak from Romania, Russia and Hungary. These oaks tend to have properties somewhere between French and American oak, with variations in density and porosity. They provide a range of unique flavours and textures, often less dominant than American oak but with more character than French.
Barrels made of other woods
Although rare, there are barrels made from woods such as acacia, chestnut and cherry. These woods offer different flavour profiles, but their use is much less frequent compared to oak.
Acacia, for example, is excellent for white wines, providing floral notes and freshness. Chestnut, with less tannin than oak, is a traditional choice in some regions of Italy and France. Cherry, although rare, can impart delicate sweet notes.
Special barrels: foudres
Foudres are a distinctive element in winemaking, especially in certain regions and wine styles. These large barrels play a unique role in wine ageing, differing markedly from standard barrels in several respects.
As mentioned above, they are a type of wine barrel that is considerably larger than traditional barrels. While a standard barrel can have a capacity of around 225 liters, foudres can hold from a few hundred to several thousand liters.
Like smaller barrels, foudres are usually made of wood, with oak being the most common. However, their large size requires more careful construction and assembly.
The transition to large wooden vessels, such as foudres, developed in Europe. Their use became particularly prominent in regions such as Alsace, Burgundy and the Rhône in France, as well as in parts of Germany.
Unlike smaller barrels, foudres have a smaller surface-to-volume ratio, which means that there is less contact of the wine with the wood. This results in a more subtle ageing, with less influence of wood flavours and tannins.
Influence of toast level
The toast level of the barrel significantly affects the final result of the wine. The toasting of the barrels is done by heating the inside of the barrel with fire. This process caramelizes the sugars in the wood and affects the release of aromatic compounds. A more intense toasting can impart more robust flavours and smoky notes, while a lighter toasting better preserves the natural flavours of the grapes.
Barrel size
The size of the barrel also plays a crucial role. Larger barrels have less wood influence, resulting in wines that are less woody and more faithful to the original flavour of the grape. On the other hand, smaller barrels intensify the influence of the wood.
Age of the barrel
New barrels tend to impart more flavour and aroma to the wine, being more “invasive”. With repeated use, their influence diminishes. Finding the right balance in the use of new and old barrels is key, and depends on the particular taste of each winemaker. Generally, new barrels are reserved for the winery’s best wines.
As you can see, the choice of barrel is a critical decision in wine production, affecting everything from the taste and aroma to the texture and colour of the final product. Each type of barrel brings its own unique qualities, allowing winemakers to experiment and perfect their wines.
