Our Barrels

FRENCH OAK

Heritage

The workhorse of many, many wineries, our Heritage barrel is coopered from a selection of French origin forests, primarily Centre of France.  The staves and heading are selected on uniformity of grain rather than where the trees were harvested.

Forêt

The Forêt is designed to accommodate winemakers who have a preference for a specific forest origin, whether that be the tight grain of Tronçais or the extractive profile of Allier, Vosges or Nevers.  We also have the ability to source premium stave wood from a variety of more esoteric forests.

Première

AMERICAN OAK

Tradition

Reserve

All tight grain, again from Appalachia, this barrel would be an excellent fit in a winemaker’s ultra-premium wine program.  The tight grain will reduce the tannic component and with an average of 30 staves, the ageing characteristics of this barrel are enhanced.

HUNGARIAN OAK

Highly prized by generations of winemakers, this oak from Hungary imparts very similar character to French oaks at a more economical price.

ACACIA

For those special whites that you want to stand out from the crowd.  A traditional barrel wood in many parts of southern Europe, acacia will give you lots of citrus, honey and floral notes and a unique yellow/gold tinge to your wines.  Especially good for barrel-fermented Viognier but very well suited to a variety of white wines.

Specifications:

Small Barrels

We would be very remiss if we neglected the legions of amateur and home winemakers who realize the benefits of barrel ageing their wines, so we have developed a line of barrels for just this market.  Crafted with the same care and attention to detail as our regular “winery-sized” barrels, these are available in the following capacities:

23 L (5 Imp. Gallons / 6 US Gallons.)   American oak
46L  (10 Imp. Gallons / 12 US Gallons) American oak
100L (22 Imp. Gallons / 26 US Gallons) American oak
114L  (25 Imp. Gallons / 30 US Gallons) French oak

Used & Reconditioned Barrels

Whether it be for extractive profile or economics, there is always a market for good quality used barrels.  Okanagan Barrel Works sources only well maintained, sound barrels from reliable wineries to fill this market need.  We can provide them to clients “as is” or we can shave them and re-toast (if requested).
In any case, we inspect every barrel before we bring it to our shop to avoid any accidental introduction of unwanted properties into our facility.

Tonnellerie de Mercurey

A renowned Burgundian cooperage providing absolute top of the line French oak barrels.  Particularly favoured for Pinot Noir but eminently suited to a wide range of wines and winemaking styles. Okanagan Barrel Works has enjoyed a long and happy relationship with one of Burgundy’s most respected cooperages – Tonnellerie de Mercurey (TDM).

TDM naturally specializes in the Burgundian style of coopering, but can provide excellent Bordeaux barrels as well.  Particularly suited for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, TDM barrels hold a high reputation for providing marvelous results for a wide range of varietals and winemaking styles.  Special attention to wood selection and toast profiles has made these one of the most sought after barrels in the market.

Mendocino Cooperage

Back by popular demand, Mendocino Cooperage offers northern, tight grained oak, 36 months of natural seasoning, professional coopering and toasting to Mendocino’s specifications.  This is a “must have” for every winery with a premium American oak barrel program.

After an absence of several years and in response to repeated requests from winemakers in B.C., Washington, Oregon and California, Mendocino Cooperage returns to the marketplace in a co-operative venture with Okanagan Barrel Works Ltd.