🏷️ Barrique

A barrique is a small oak barrel holding 225 litres. The name comes from Bordeaux in France, where this size became standard for wine. In Burgundy a slightly different barrel is usual, called a pièce, holding 228 litres. The difference is small, and in purpose they are very much alike.

The barrels are made of oak. The wood lets a little air through its walls, and the wine slowly oxidises and softens. In addition, oak gives the wine substances: vanilla, coconut, toast and spice. The younger the barrel, the stronger its influence. New barrels are expensive, so they are often reused.

Ageing in barriques is typical for many red wines and for some whites, such as Chardonnay. The time is from a few months to two years.

The barrique belongs to oak ageing and is one of its most common forms. It is used in France, Italy and Spain and around the world. The word "barrique" often appears on the label to show that the wine rested in such a barrel.