Red Wine Barrique
Origin
France / Italy / Spain
Size
225L
Previous Contents
Red wine (Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo, etc.)
Typical Maturation
3-8
Flavor Contribution
Dark berry, blackcurrant, plum, tannic structure, and peppery spice. Adds red-purple color tint and wine-like complexity.
About
Standard Bordeaux-size barriques made from French, American, or sometimes Eastern European oak, previously used for aging red wine. The specific wine variety (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo) significantly impacts the resulting whisky flavor. Wine barriques are typically smaller than sherry butts, providing more intense wood interaction. Common for whisky finishing rather than full maturation.