(QUERCUS PETRAEA & QUERCUS ROBUR)

At ECWB we manufacturer our Wine Barrels using Quercus Petraea (95%) and Quercus Robur (5%), two species of White Oak native throughout most of Europe. It has become customary within the industry to utilize these species of wood as their chemical and physical properties impart the greatest effect on the wine.


You might be wondering what the difference is between the two varieties or why at ECWB our wine barrels are comprised mainly of Quercus Petraea?

In the art of aging fine wine, it is crucial to have an environment where the wine can "breathe" but in as much of a controlled and slow rate as possible. This process allows the grape to ferment and become the lavish liquid many of us enjoy.

Quercus Petraea is considered "tight grain." Meaning, the pores on this species are more compressed and thus, air and humidity pass through at a significantly slower rate than quercus robur. Additionally, the tighter grain inhibits the contents inside the barrel (the wine) from evaporating out too quickly.

Quercus Robur on the other hand is considered "loose grain." This does not imply that there are gaping holes in the wood; it just means that the pores on this species are less compressed than its counterpart, quercus petraea. Thus, air and humidity enter the barrel at a slightly faster rate and internal evaporation occurs more rapidly.

The type of wood used to create a barrel is contingent upon the type of wine which you are trying to make.  Please give us a call at 516-403-5757 and ask to speak with a representative who can further assist in deciding what type of barrel(s) is right for you.