Learning about wine
Barriques, what are they, and what are they used for
Jun
9Ciao,
When we talk about the ageing of wine, we often tell you that the wine ages for several months in barriques, almost always in French oak. But what are these barriques? I’d cover this up a bit, and if you already know, consider it a refresher!
The Barrique
First, it is essential to know that barrique is a French term commonly used worldwide because the barrique is of French origin and, more precisely, from the Bordeaux area.
These are oak wood containers that can contain 225 litres of wine. The oak is generally of French origin (French oak barrels) but also American (American oak barrels)
Initially, the barrique was used to make the transport of wine easier, especially on long journeys by ship. It was also understood that these small barrels preserved and improved the wine.
Today the barriques have the task of refining the wine. During the months spent in these barrels, the wine stabilizes the colour, and thanks to the fragrance of the wood, it amplifies its aromas; hints of vanilla, notes of toast and smoked are typical of wines resting in barriques.
You have often heard of first or second-passage barriques; this expression indicates the number of times the barrique is used and, to enjoy the scents of the wood at its best, the barriques should be used a maximum of three times (3 passages); obviously, the aromas released by the first passage barriques are much more critical than those released by the third passage barriques.
Barriques are expensive because they are little masterpieces. If you want to know all the steps needed to build a barrique, I leave below the link to the page of the Gamba company, which manufactures barrels of all sizes.
What should we taste?
Here we are spoiled for choice… in addition to the wines from the Gaja winery, I suggest the Pinot Noir from the Franz Haas winery, the Merlot from Le Due Terre, or the Schioppettino from Moschioni. They are all wines to be paired with red meat or hard cheeses, so why not at a barbecue with friends?
A presto
ciao
Monica
