Wine Barrels....Toasted

Different levels of toasting barrels contribute to a range of flavors in the finished wine.

Heavy toast contributes roasted, smoky aromas of coffee, and persistence of flavor.

Medium plus toast imparts coffee, pepper, tobacco, smoke flavors.

Untoasted American oak imparts vanilla and coconut flavours, light toast spices, brioche, fresh almond and cocoanut.

Untoasted French oak barrels stabilize red colour; light toast vanilla, gentle spices, cloves, cinnamon, roundness, richness.

French is tight-grain oak and generally contributes the following characteristics in the finished wine has a refined and elegant mouth feel, a hint oak to support the flavour of the wine, and “juiciness” that contributes to the appeal.

In France, winemakers use the wood of following forests – Limousin, Troncais, Allier, Vosges, Jupille.

The toasting process