Barrel Maintenance

barrels are an important investment for a winery, in terms of both their cost and their precious contents. The contents of a barrel may well have a wholesale value of thousands of dollars, while new barrels cost £190 to £625 (US$300 to US$1,000) each, depending on quality and origin. The preparation of new barrels and the maintenance of used ones is therefore an important activity for winemakers, and can play a part in determining wood influence.

1. Schahinger, G., and Rankine, B., Cooperage for Winemakers (rev. edn, Adelaide, 2005).
2. Taransaud, J., Le Livre de la tonnellerie (Paris, 1976).