Our customised toasting provides a barrel that enhances the primary fruit characters and contributes savoury spice and underlying subtle seasoned oak. With time, the fine tannins work with the fruit to promote seamless structure. This fine-grained oak assists line and length and is a great match for full bodied wines requiring extended maturation.
The Minnesota oak sourced by A.P. John displays very consistent growth ring spacing typically between 18–23 per inch. We toast this barrel/oak type to a medium toast to enhance regional organoleptic properties of this barrel.
Oak is selected from the elevated ridges of the Minnesota Lakes District.
Average rainfall: 990mm pa
Elevation average: 450m
Oak is seasoned in North America for 36 months receiving an annual precipitation of 1000mm (including snow) prior to shipment to our cooperage in the Barossa. After taking delivery, the oak spends another four-to-six months conditioning, to stabilise the moisture content in our cooperage facilities, which further enhances the unique properties.
| Type | Capacity (L) | Weight (kg) | Surface area (m2) | Height (cm) | Head diameter (cm) | Bilge (cm) | Stave thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrique | 225 | 53 | 2.2 | 96.5 | 56 | 67.5 | 25 |
| Hogshead | 300 | 65 | 2.9 | 105 | 61 | 76.5 | 25 |
| Puncheon | 475 | 84 | 3.6 | 111.5 | 75 | 91.5 | 25 |
* Dimensions & Weights are based on average barrel specification.
A maximum of 10.5% moisture content is maintained throughout manufacture. This is the natural moisture content experienced across South Eastern Australia which ensures minimal shrinkage and provides exceptional sealing properties resulting in negligible leakage. Our barrels are not water tested prior to shipping.
