Magreñan barrels

The sun, the rain and the air work in harmony in Toneleria Magreñan's yard. For more than a thousand days it is nature that takes the reins in the natural curing of the wood. Another natural element becomes a protagonist at the cooperage. The coopers use fire to mold the casks like sculptures, a tradition at Magreñan which is spectacular. The coopers are molding and caramelising each cask with sweet aromas.

Oak casks are available in 225 litres, 300 litres and small oak uprights of 5 000 and 10 000 litres for wines, brandies, and eau-de-vie. The personnel working the wood have been trained by master coopers with extensive experience. Technology has improved, and the few machines used have been perfected for greater precision. But at Magreñan, hand-crafting skills are still the determining factor.

Click HERE to see the Traceability Datasheet, or HERE to find more information about Magreñan.

The advantages of Magreñan

• Best part of the oak's log (center piece)
• 100% natural aging
• Soft and slow toasting
• No blisters inside the barrel
• Toasted bung hole to get a perfect lock with the silicone bung
• Full Traceability imprinted on each barrel
• Barrels made only to order
• Galvanized hoops with round edges
• Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 9002 and ISO 14001
• Food-graded silicone bung
• Best TCA prevention program
• Family cooperage

American Oak Descriptors

AMERICAN FINESSE OAK
(Quercus Albar varietal)

This oak comes from a special area of American forests within the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozarks, carefully selected after years of research and development. The grain is much tighter than regular American Oak. Its index of exotic aromas and vanilla is not as strong as the Classic American Oak, adding more fine aromas during extended periods of time. Ideal aging time between 8 to 10 months. The medium grain, tighter texture, allows an excellent aging evolution assuring a great extraction of polisacarids and tannins resulting in richer wines.

It respects the fruit more than other American Oaks. Adds tropical flavors such as pineapple, vanilla, buttery aromas. In blind tastings, some wine-makers have confused Magrenan American Finesse with French oak varietals. It pairs excellently with the Chardonnay, respecting the fruity aromas and giving creamy / buttery aromas that are reminiscent of smoked cheese. It also pairs well with both Merlot and Cabernet, adding vanilla and coffee with milk aromas.

AMERICAN INTENSE OAK
(Quercus Albar)

Intense American Oak comes from the state of Ohio, known for intense and dominant aromas on the wine (vanilla and coconut). The most predominant flavor is metiloctalactona (aroma that reminds coconut flavor). Fast and accelerated addition of aromatic aromas. Optimum aging is between 3 to 4 months. It works best Cabernet and Merlot.

French Oak Descriptors

French Oak ALLIER and TRONCAIS
(Quercus Sensiliflora)

Oak from Allier and Tronçais forests, with a very closed physical structure (selection of very fine grain). It is the most recommended oak for reds and whites of great quality. It enriches the wines during a slow aging, respecting the varietal and offering a very persistent and elegant bouquet.

French Oak LIMOUSIN
(Quercus Pedunculata)

Oak from the Limousin forest, with a open and porous structure. It eases the evaporation and the addition of rich oak flavors in parallel with the light astringency of its tannins.

French Oak NEVERS
(Quercus Sensiliflora)

Oak from the Nievre forest, with a closed structure (medium grain). It enriches wines during the aging process respecting the varietal and offering a persistent and fresh bouquet.

East European Oak Descriptors

RUSSIAN OAK
(species Quercus Sensiliflora)

Oak from the " Causcaso Forests " with a very close physical grain. It reinforces and enriches wines during a slow aging period, respecting the standardisation of the variety and being very fresh and persistent in the mouth, with a bouquet of great style and enhanced personality; French Oak style.

HUNGARIAN OAK
(species Quercus Sensiliflora)

Oak from North-Eastern Hungary. The weather is warmer than Russia. Its physical structure is similar to French Oak Nevers (medium grain - closed physical structure).

ROMANIAN OAK
(species Quercus Sensiliflora)

Its physical structure is similar to Tronçais French Oak, extra-fine grain. Aromatic contribution similar to French Oak.