Wine barrel 2nd time around

[nicklausjames]

I have a 15 gallon american oak barrel w heavy toast. Right now I have cab sauv aging in it. What are my options next time I use it? Can I put any red variety in it? Or am I limited to cab sauv.?

 

[Boatboy24]

Any red will do.

If you want to make a Rose, just throw a white wine in there.

 

[nicklausjames]

Thx. What is the typical time frame to leave a 2nd wine in the barrel? I have heard 15 weeks approximately for 1st wine. I know it's subject to taste.

 

[Boatboy24]

It is definitely subject to taste. ibglowin had posted a schedule for several sized barrels in the barrels and oak forum. Not sure if 15 gal was one of them, but you can probably plan on a 50-100% increase in time. On my 6 gallon barrels, I've gone 4-5 weeks for the first, and 8-10 for the second.

 

[ibglowin]

For that size barrel I would say you can go out to ~30 weeks safely and maybe more. American Oak is known for imparting a lot of oak flavor in a short amount of time (when new) so you definitely need to taste along the way and see how its progressing.