Published August 8, 2024
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Barrels are an important part of the Winter’s Hill winemaking style. Almost all of our wines spend about a year in French Oak barrels. For small quantities of premium wine, there is just no substitute for the gentle aging and maturation that takes place in an oak barrel. As the wine ages, oxygen slowly permeates the wood and comes into contact with the wine. This oxygen interaction softens tannins, rounds out sharp edges, and allows complex chemical reactions to unfold.
Ready to be Repurposed
Using a few new barrels adds delicious oak tannin and spice to our wines, while the majority of our barrels are 3-4 years old. Last month, in preparation for bottling, we emptied most of our barrels and blended the wines into stainless steel tanks. Each time they are emptied, our barrels get a thorough cleaning with hot water and steam, as well as a thorough inspection.
With good care and maintenance, we keep our barrels for 6-8 years, but there are always some that need to be retired. Their days of storing fine Pinot noir and Chardonnay are over, but they are ready for a new life as furniture, rain barrels, planters, or …? Do you have a woodworking or gardening project that you would like to bring to life?
Local Delivery is Available
I’m offering free home delivery within the Portland or Salem, and I’d love to pay you a visit. $100 each, or 4 for $300. Give us a call or text, email, or send a note via our website to purchase and schedule delivery. Sorry, we cannot ship barrels out of Oregon.
Cheers!
Russell
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