"Oak barrels play a crucial role in the wine aging process, enriching wines that see oak with depth, complexity, and length. When selecting barrels, I prioritize balance, ensuring they harmonize with each vineyard’s unique characteristics rather than overpowering them.
Much like spices in a kitchen, barrels are meant to enhance and elevate, offering subtle nuances that invite contemplation and encourage returning for another sip.”
-John Duckett, Winemaker
When it comes to making wine, choosing which barrels to use and how to use them is no small task.
At Trione we use French Oak barrels. These are preferred for the tighter grain and more elegant flavors they impart. Since we are striving for barrels that complement the wine rather than overpower it, we find that French Oak works in harmony with a wide range of varietals from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, all wines that we produce.
Wine descriptions almost always include a reference to the percentage of "new" oak used during the aging process. New oak refers to freshly seasoned and never before used barrels. Naturally, those new barrels are going to infuse stronger characteristics into the wine than 1-year old or 2-year old barrels will. Each oak barrel is a viable flavor enhancer for up to three years, after which it becomes a neutral oak vessel. With every usage a barrel loses some vibrancy until reaching a neutral state where no flavors are transferring into the wine. From new to neutral, each barrel is carefully selected for the wine program it best fits into.
Variety being the spice of life, we source our oak barrels from several different coopers. The craft of making barrels dates back centuries and brings with it endless quality factors ranging from the forest where the tree was grown, to the way the wood is split, to the manner in which the staves are seasoned and assembled. Each of these components contributes its own flavor profile impressing a unique effect on the wine inside.
One of our partners, Cooperages 1912, has connected us with two different suppliers of French Oak barrels to support a wide-range of programs in our cellar. These exceptional lots were chosen for the artful way that they have been crafted.
Tonnellerie Tremeaux
Burgundy, France
Nestled in the heart of Beaune, Tonnellerie Tremeaux is an artisan cooperage anchored in the tradition of the Burgundy region. They patiently craft limited production barrels to respect the fruit and reflect each wine’s unique beauty. Oak is seasoned using a unique cheminée stacking method. This approach ensures the oak seasons naturally and evenly, with optimal air flow and exposure to the elements. In this way, they cultivate a softer oak profile with incredible consistency. We are using these selections for our Pinot Noir program, and possibly for Chardonnay in future vintages.
Tonnellerie Quintessence
Bordeaux, France
Quintessence: the perfect manifestation of a quality or object. Tonnellerie Quintessence blends savoir-faire and contemporary expertise. Their team is committed to only the very best, the essence of Quintessence. Barrels are crafted by expert coopers with a commitment to traceability, consistency and customization. "Working together with passion and determination, we leave our soul in every barrel we create to showcase the unique nuances of your wine. That's L' Essence de l'Art - the secret hidden inside Tonnellerie Quintessence."
If you are interested to learn more about wine barrels, check out our Summer Winemaker Series on June 8th where Cooperages 1912 will be leading a discussion with our Winemaker, John Duckett. Learn More
