When wine is being oaked do they keep the same types of wine in the same barrel? Ie, is merlot always in a merlot barrel or is it sometimes a pinot, merlot, cab...etc?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Barrels may be new, or they may be used repeatedly by a winery for 2, 3 or more years, and often for different wines and varietals. Older barrels can be reconditioned to extend their useful life. Today, many types of wood (principally oak) are employed for wine barrels, and the wood may come from a number of countries, forests and coopers. Sizes of barrels vary, as do production techniques such as "toasting" of the interior. A modern winery often purchases barrels from many coopers, each of whom may have its own signature. How the barrels are used, for which wines, and for how long, is decided by the individual winery.
