At Goinsitu, we are true wine lovers, especially those made with the greatest care and attention possible. That’s why a few days ago we talked to you about how to conduct a wine tasting step by step. And today we’re going to continue along this path by talking about an important aspect, but one that many people don’t pay much attention to: barrels. There are many different types of wine barrels, and not all are the same. In fact, in some cases, it’s a factor that gives wine unique characteristics.

What kind of wood is used for wine barrels?

The use of barrels has long been linked to wine production. Many experts trace their origins back to ancient Rome, as it was then that it was discovered that transporting them in wood was easier than in amphorae. Since then, they have been used as a transport system for fermenting and maturing the product.

But not all woods are the same. One of the most widespread and the favorite for most winemakers is oak, due to its unique porosity. But when it comes to oak, we can find more than 200 different species. Typically, the wood used in these barrels or casks is porous, allowing greater air entry while remaining impermeable.

Each wine usually requires a different type of wood, as is the case with other alcoholic beverages such as eau-de-vie or cognac, among many others also aged in barrels. In addition to porosity, other aspects such as malleability, strength, and the aromatic contribution they can make are usually taken into account. You can learn more about the types of wine barrels, wines, and their entire production process with one of Goinsitu’s wine tourism experiences.

French Oak

This type of wood is very soft, softer than other types such as American oak. It oxygenates the wine more slowly, achieving more delicate and smooth flavors. For French oak to be optimal, the tree’s growth must be slow, which will result in a finer grain and, therefore, better for the wine.

American Oak

American oak offers a very resistant, hard, and permeable wood. This allows the wine to acquire considerably more powerful notes much more quickly than with other types of barrels. As a general rule, it doesn’t transfer too many tannins and contributes aromas of coffee or cocoa, among others.

Spanish Oak

When it comes to Spanish oak, the oak is usually quite similar to that found in France. It is usually used primarily for red wines, as it is considered a wood with great winemaking potential and adds smoky and even vanilla nuances.

Cherry

Cherry barrels generally offer two types, suitable for both white and red wines. If they have a medium level of toasting, the nuances they add are more intense, like cherries and plums.

Acacia

As with cherry wood, there are two varieties depending on the degree of toasting. Untoasted acacia is recommended for white wines, as it imparts very fresh notes. Toasted acacia can also be used to preserve red wines.

If you’re more curious about this wonderful world, we have several wine tourism experiences at GoInsitu.