Barrels usage and maintenance
Proper care and handling of barrels are essential to preserving the quality and character of your wine. In this section, you’ll find comprehensive guidelines and tips for maximizing the lifespan and performance of your barrels. From prepping barrels before use to storage and maintenance techniques, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned winemaker or just starting out, these recommendations will help you achieve the best results and enhance the flavor profiles of your wines. Explore our insights and elevate your barrel management practices today.
- All our products contain an antioxidant with a bit of water inside, which must be emptied before filling the barrel.
- We should never leave the barrel empty due to the risk of deterioration.
- Store barrels in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mold and minimize evaporation.
- Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can affect the integrity of the wood and the wine inside.
- Consider reconditioning barrels annually to maintain their structural integrity and enhance their performance.
- For barrels used for reds, fill to their full capacity.
General barrel cleaning
For proper maintenance of your barrel, it is important to regularly carry out its cleaning. Below, you can find some helpful tips that will help you keep your barrels in perfect condition, thus extending their lifespan and improving their performance.
- Empty the liquid from the barrel through its upper orifice, called cork or bung hole.
- Fill the barrel with boiling water up to one-third of its capacity through the upper orifice or bung hole using a funnel, then vigorously agitate and empty it through the same orifice to remove wood residues. Repeat this process several times until the water runs clear. Ensure that the barrel does not have any leaks and remains completely sealed.
- Ready to age, cure, or mature our favorite drinks: rum, whisky, brandy, vermouth, PX, red wine…
- We let the wood work for a couple of months and observe its curing or aging.
- Never leave the barrel less than half full. Using a gauge or stick, we observe the capacity of our barrel. If it’s nearing the halfway mark, we’ll refill it.
IMPORTANT: Never fill with wine from Tetra Pak; if we have our beverage in bulk, it’s preferable. - If at any point we do not wish to refill it, it should never be left Empty. It must be filled with water and not left at half its capacity, even if it is filled with water, as the wood absorbs it.
- Over time, the tap/faucet can wear out. We have replacements available depending on the capacity of each barrel, and they are easy to change as they are threaded.
