How Should You Treat a New Barrel?
A new barrel should be treated with a water-soak. A new wine barrel cannot simply just be used once it is purchased. There are several things to know about wine barrel cleaning, wine barrel maintenance, and
A new barrel should be treated with a water-soak.
A new wine barrel cannot simply just be used once it is purchased. There are several things to know about wine barrel cleaning, wine barrel maintenance, and how to sanitize a new oak barrel.
Before a wine barrel’s first usage, it has to be filled with water and rotated from side to side to ensure there are no leaking points. This water is also essential for rehydrating the barrel before being used; so, leave the water for at least 8 hours. This is a crucial part of the wine barrel maintenance.
When it comes to wine barrel cleaning, ensure that all the wine is removed from the barrel after being used. This should be followed by rinsing and spraying with water and then dried completely. The second step includes a hot water solution of B-Brite to wash the inside thoroughly. This is how you sanitize an oak barrel thoroughly without using harsh chemicals.
Also, ensure that this step is followed by a rinse of cold water and citric acid to neutralize the cleaning agent’s aromas.
Ensuring proper wine barrel maintenance of a used barrel includes adding small amounts of sulfur (from sulfur sticks) to the barrel every few months to minimize aromas and bacteria from settling in the barrel. After that, the barrel should be kept open to release the sulfur and placed back in storage.
So not only should new wine barrels be treated, but so do barrels that have been used previously. It is crucial for the success of wine maturation in these barrels.
