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BARRELS

seasoning initiates the polymer’s breakdown American Oak (the strong Quercus alba)
into simple sugars. As oak climbs through - Structural differences in American oak’s he-
300° F during toasting, more simple sugars micellulose and lignin result in more intense
form. Caramelized sugars and sweet-associa- vanilla, wood sugars, and toastiness. Because
ted aromas then develop. stave timber is purchased from private lan-
Toasty characters develop as the oak downers, log costs are lower. Its density, high
passes 420° F. Using this research, contro- tyloses, and straight grain means higher yields,
lling temperatures allows definable, repea- machine cutting, and lower cost barrels with
table flavours. popular traits.
Templářské sklepy (Templar Knights Cellars) , Čejkovice, Czech Republic

THE STRUCTURE OF OAK AND Eastern European (Slovenian & Hungari-
ITS CONTRIBUTION TO FLAVOUR an) Oak (the slow growth Quercus petraea
French Oak (the fragile sessile oak Quercus Liebl.) - Under a microscope, this sessile oak
petrae Liebl.) - When examining French oak, is structurally similar to what is found in
we find the highest tannin of the oak types. France, yet it has slightly different qualities
Wine has easy access to an array of compounds including less tannin. These trees grow more
in the more porous sessile oak, providing mul- slowly and are smaller, creating fine grain
tiple extractives. An example is the popular and extremely subtle extraction. Research
spice notes that stem from extractives such as shows that its hemicellulose breaks down
caryophyllene and copaene. Structurally, one more easily, forming a different spectrum of
finds less tyloses. Hand splitting following the toasty aromas.
grain is required. Logs sourced from the Office Eastern European oak is purchased from
National des Forêts make for more expensive both government controlled forests and priva-
timber. This results in a more expensive barrel te land. Although the logs are less expensive,
that is appreciated by winemakers for its fla- lower yields produce barrels that are about
vour characteristics rather than its price. average in cost.ƅ
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