Barrels and Oaking

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American vs. French Oak

Can you summarize the differences between French and American oak in winemaking?

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Aging in Small Oak Barrels

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Curing an over-oaked Chardonnay

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It’s Better With Barrels

There is a reason so many of the pros use oak barrels. Learn about the benefits of a barrel, as well as how to choose the right barrel for y

Article

Tips for Using Barrel Alternatives

If you don’t have a barrel to put your wine in, then put a barrel alternative in your wine. Two experts share advice for getting the most

Technique

Barrel Fermentations

Barrel aging typically begins after alcoholic fermentation is complete, however, you don’t have to wait until your wine is dry to start ge

Article

Making Wine with Mahogany

A home winemaker and woodworker got the idea that mahogany may lend itself nicely to wine in place of oak. This simple idea led him on a yea

Technique

Beyond Oak: Tips from the Pros

Almost all winemakers use oak barrels for aging red and some white wines, as has been the case for ages. However, if you go back far enough,

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Oak Barrel Aging Advice

Technique

Balancing Wine’s Structure: Techniques to add and remove tannins

Tannins are a big piece of the large puzzle when balancing many styles of wine. It’s important to understand ways to increase or decrease

Technique

Using Oak Alternatives: Cutting into the granular details

There is no denying that oak alternatives are a lot gentler on the wallet and on the environment. Bob Peak takes a spin through oak chemistr

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Barrel Alternatives: Matching quality grapes with oak

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Steps to Preserve Your Oak Barrel

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Lifespan of a Wine Barrel

Wine barrels are constantly changing. Each time one is filled it will lose some characteristics and, eventually after enough uses, it will g

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Reducing Oak Flavor In Wine

Technique

Oak and Barrel Dynamics: Do’s and don’ts when it comes to wine and oak

The role of oak in our wines can fall on a broad spectrum and the type of oak products used can change the dynamics. Make sure you’ve got

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Is Oak Sanitation Necessary?

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Varnish on Mini Barrels

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Oak Yeah!? When and why to add oak to wine

Adding oak to a wine can add an amazing depth of character or it can detract from the fruit. Learn some keys to managing the oak in your win

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Quality Control

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Defining “Percent New Oak” in Wine

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Can I Use An Untoasted Oak Barrel?

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The Oak Necessities

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Barrel-Aging Question

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Small Batch Barrels

Barrels offer a lot more benefits to wine than just oak taste and tannins, but full-size barrels are often out of reach for the home winemak