Our Collection of Barrique Wines
Posted on Mon 13th Jul 2015 at 15:46
What does the word barrique mean? And, is it just a posh wine word for meaning “better”?
Well, the truth is, the word “barrique” originates from France and means “barrel”, referring specifically to shape and size of barrel made from oak, and relates to the provenance of where the oak was grown. Wine barrels, especially those made of oak, have long been used to age wine adding extra flavours of Vanilla, and butter with vibrant spices, absorbed from the wooden oak panels as it matures. The wood is a natural oenological tool and during the aging process it preserves the characteristics of the grape variety, the terroir and helps balance the flavors. Whilst this is all happening, the tight closed grained oak panels allow for the smallest amounts of alcohol to evaporate and oxygenate from the outside air. This small exchange plays a key part in developing the aromatics and subtle flavours, which helps soften the tannins, resulting in a wine made of finesse. So, in essence there is truth in their meaning of better wines. Our premium Stobi Syrah Barrique and Petit Verdot Barrique are barrelled in small "Seguin Moreau" 225 litre (59 US gallons), French oak and American oak barrels; and "Baron" 500 litre (132 US gallons) French oak, for 18 - 20 months. Whilst our Premium Vranec “Veritas wine” is matured in Slavonian oak barrique barrels, 1000 litres, 2500 litre and 5000 litre (265, 600 and 1320 US gallons) in size and aged for at least 20 months, before being bottled, ready to be sold. Slavonian oak barrels add spicy notes and long-lasting finish of cocoa and vanilla during the ageing process and are made in the north-eastern region of Croatia. They are highly regarded in the wine world; in particular, they’re in fashion in Italy’s Piedmont region. Word on the wine street is that —like most wood used for barrels—the oak grown in this region is known for compact fibres and a tight grain. Slavonian barrels distinctively, tend to be large and because of the ratio of the wine’s surface area to the inside of the barrel, they make the perfect partner for the Vranec variety, with its subtle flavours and softer tannins, to create the capital P in our premium wine.