Tips for Using Your Oak Barrel for Wine Making

Many home and commercial winemakers use oak barrels to perform traditional winemaking. The use of this barrel ensures quality while offering a touch of elegance to any wine cellar.

With oak aging, the distinct flavors and aromas are imparted that other containers cannot. Plus, you will love the texture, tannin profile, and color produced by oak barrels.

Wine lovers from different parts of the world fell in love with the wine that undergoes an aging process in an oak barrel. After all, the added flavor is unparalleled. On the other hand, maintaining an oak barrel can be a little tough job. That is because it requires a routine and constant effort.

Beware that you cannot just keep your oak barrel in a corner and forget about it until you need it once again. To help you use an oak barrel for winemaking effectively, check out the following tips:

Tip 1: Choose the Right Oak Barrel 

If it is your first time buying an oak barrel, ensure to pay attention to the craftsmanship. Look for potential problems.

During the manufacturing process, barrels are generally toasted in an open fire. That is to give the barrel a smooth finish and an even brown tint. Generally, lightly charred oak barrels are ideal for imparting unique flavors to wine while bringing out more taste and tanginess. 

Tip 2: Prepare the Oak Barrel Well Before Putting Wine 

Before putting your desired wine into the oak barrel, ensure to swell your new oak barrel. That is to prevent it from leaking. In swelling your new oak barrel, fill it with water and then pour the wine into it. After that, you are free to perform the aging process.

Tip 3: Practice Proper Maintenance 

Clean the oak barrel between each wine batch it holds. If you store wine in your oak barrel, it will lead to yeast molecules and tartrate coating formation that can ruin the taste of your wine. That is why you need to rinse the barrel with water after every storing session.

Besides rinsing, you can also use sodium percarbonate and a warm water mixture to clean the oak barrel. That way, rest assured that the wonderful taste and optimum flavor of the future wine batches are stored in the barrel.

Tip 4: Keep It In Proper Place 

When it comes to the lifespan of your oak barrel, the location is an essential factor you should consider. Preferably, ensure to store your barrel in a cool environment that is away from direct sunlight. 

In case the place where you live is extremely dry, it is best to wipe your oak barrel down using a mildly wet cloth. You can do this once a week. That way, you can keep your oak hydrated.

Conclusion 

With oak barrels, you have the best chance to produce your own wine in the comfort of your home. You can share it with your loved ones. Whether it is for a hobby or business, having an oak barrel is advantageous for producing flavorful wines. We hope the above tips will help you with your next winemaking.