Let's uncork some wine knowledge! While you might picture barrels when you think of wine, the standard sizes might surprise you. Let's break down barrel capacities and why they matter in the world of winemaking.

The Standard: The Bordeaux Barrique

The most common type of wine barrel is called a ""Bordeaux barrique."" Here's how much it holds:

Capacity: 225 liters
Bottle Equivalent: Approximately 300 standard (750ml) wine bottles
Case Count: Roughly 25 cases of wine (12 bottles per case)

Why Size Matters

Winemakers choose barrel sizes strategically, as it impacts the final product:

Surface Area: Smaller barrels mean more of the wine is in contact with the oak, leading to faster flavor absorption and bolder oak notes.
Oxygen Exchange: The size and age of a barrel influence how much oxygen interacts with the wine, impacting its development over time.

Other Barrel Sizes

While the 225-liter barrel is a classic, winemakers sometimes experiment with different sizes:

Larger Barrels: Can hold upwards of 500 liters or more. Less oak influence and slower oxygenation are features of large barrels.
Smaller Barrels: Used for bolder wines or to speed up the aging process.

Did You Know?

Barrels Aren't One-and-Done: A wine barrel's peak for imparting oak flavors is in its first few uses. After that, they're still used for aging but have a subtler effect.
Evaporation Happens: It's called the ""angel's share"" – a percentage of wine evaporates through the wood during aging.

Winnipeg Connections

Seek Out Wineries: While Winnipeg itself isn't a major winemaking hub, contacting smaller Manitoba wineries might turn up leads on barrels and give you insights into local winemaking practices.
The Restaurant Route: Establishments with extensive wine lists sometimes rotate out their decor barrels – this could be a sourcing option.

Size Up Your DIY Plans

Knowing standard barrel sizes helps when planning your project:

Planter Power: A 225-liter barrel is substantial! Consider cutting it in half for a more manageable size.
Furniture Fit: Be aware of the barrel's dimensions to ensure your DIY creation will fit your desired space.

Show Off Your Wine Barrel Wisdom

Did you score a barrel in Winnipeg or have a unique project using one? We'd love to see it! Share photos on social media and use the hashtag #WinnipegWineBarrels

Interested in shopping for wine barrel furniture? You can browse our full collection of items ranging from coffee tables to home bar and game sets here!

www.obarrel.com/collections