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troutstix · 02-03-2012, 02:18 PM

Hello,

I have a 23L barrel that is no longer imparting any oak flavor, and I am wondering how long everyone is leaving their kits in a neutral barrel to get good micro-oxidation?

I was doing 12 weeks, but need to speed things up because I am getting too backed up. I am still trying to get the 2011 LE's thru, and am my 2012 LE's are starting to pour in! I would like to cut down to 8 weeks, but I am not sure if I will get as good a benefit. Btw, I have (2) 23L barrels (one american and one hungarian) and don't really want to get another- unless it is a 46L.

Thanks in advance!

ibglowin · 02-03-2012, 02:35 PM

I just received my 3rd 23L Vadai last week. My first two are hitting the sweet spot of 3-4 months. I personally think 3-4 months is a great amount of time for these small barrels. 8 weeks is really a bare minimum for a decent amount of oxidation on these. I really wanted to order the 40L Vadai its almost twice the storage for only $23 more but these 23L barrels are really the perfect size since my carboys are 23L as well. Even with doing 800lbs of fresh grapes this Fall, I still end up putting it all into 23L glass carboys and then as needed 1G jugs.

Perhaps my 4th will be a 40L!

robie · 02-03-2012, 03:07 PM

I agree with Mike. I just started with my 2nd 23l barrel.

**UBB** · 02-03-2012, 04:18 PM

I'm seriously wanting to get a barrel (or 2) in preparation for my grapes next fall. What kind of price are you guys paying for the 40 liter barrels? Also, if any of you guys have a pic you'd like to share it would be greatly appreciated.

ibglowin · 02-03-2012, 04:41 PM

95% of us with the small ones are using Vadai Barrels Very good prices, Hungarian oak. Just make sure you have you have enough wines lined up to keep it full at all times as that is really the easiest way. You do not want to be draining, rinsing, using sulfur wicks. Also it is best to run 3-4 kit wines through first before you put any wine from fresh grapes in so they can stay longer. Also you do not want to want to put a kit wine into a barrel after the barrel has been exposed to wine that has gone through MLF as you do not want a kit wine to undergo MLF. So once its full, it stays full. One it has been exposed to MLB, nothing but fresh grape wine goes in after that.

**UBB** · 02-03-2012, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibglowin

95% of us with the small ones are using Vadai Barrels Very good prices, Hungarian oak. Just make sure you have you have enough wines lined up to keep it full at all times as that is really the easiest way. You do not want to be draining, rinsing, using sulfur wicks. Also it is best to run 3-4 kit wines through first before you put any wine from fresh grapes in so they can stay longer. Also you do not want to want to put a kit wine into a barrel after the barrel has been exposed to wine that has gone through MLF as you do not want a kit wine to undergo MLF. So once its full, it stays full. One it has been exposed to MLB, nothing but fresh grape wine goes in after that.

Thanks! Seems to me that 2 barrels would be a good start. One for the fresh grapes and one for kits.

robie · 02-03-2012, 05:13 PM

My Vadai barrels each cost $180 to $190, if I remember.

I get:
23 liter barrel
wooden stand (a must for the barrel)
wooden bung
solid silicone bung
silicone bung with hole.

**Arne** · 02-03-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibglowin

95% of us with the small ones are using Vadai Barrels Very good prices, Hungarian oak. Just make sure you have you have enough wines lined up to keep it full at all times as that is really the easiest way. You do not want to be draining, rinsing, using sulfur wicks. Also it is best to run 3-4 kit wines through first before you put any wine from fresh grapes in so they can stay longer. Also you do not want to want to put a kit wine into a barrel after the barrel has been exposed to wine that has gone through MLF as you do not want a kit wine to undergo MLF. So once its full, it stays full. One it has been exposed to MLB, nothing but fresh grape wine goes in after that.

Is that a new pic. Mike?? Leaves on the trees in back, Green on the grass down below. Its disgusting, sounds like it is gonna be all white and deep around here by Sat. Noon. LOL, Arne.

**UBB** · 02-03-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robie

My Vadai barrels each cost $180 to $190, if I remember.

I get:
23 liter barrel
wooden stand (a must for the barrel)
wooden bung
solid silicone bung
silicone bung with hole.

does that price include the shipping?

robie · 02-03-2012, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UBB

does that price include the shipping?

Yes, to Colorado from California