barrel alternatives, common term for a group of materials and techniques, including the use of oak chips, barrel inserts, inner staves, and sometimes micro-oxygenation, which are alternatives to barrels. They save both money and space and have become increasingly sophisticated, offering the winemaker a choice of different types of oak as well as different toast levels, but care is needed with the dosage and the length of time the products are in contact with the wine. Since 2006 certain barrel alternatives have been permitted in the eu, although their use is forbidden in some pdo wines.
