Term for a cylindrical container, usually bulbous, made of various materials such as wood, metal, plastic or ceramic for the storage of liquids. In viticulture, barrels are usually made of wood because this material is breathable and allows a controlled amount of oxygen to enter, which is generally desirable when ageing wine. For filling and emptying, it has a small opening known as a bunghole.
It can also be open on one side and is fitted with a lid. In the case of large drums, an access point in the base (drum latch) allows one person to clean the drum. The cylindrical shape enables effortless handling, moving and space-saving stacking. Barrels of different types and volumes play an important role with regard to the expansion. They used to be made by the cooper's trade. Today, however, wooden barrels are mostly produced industrially in companies known as tonnelleries. The historical development is described in detail under Wine Vessels.
All keywords relating to the topic of wine production, ageing and storage as well as the necessary techniques and aids are listed below:
The picture below shows a barrel cellar of the Bassermann-Jordan winery in the Palatinate (Germany). Barrique barrels can be seen in the foreground, two egg-shaped containers on the left and eight traditional, large wooden barrels on the right.
For the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), Distillation (distillates), Speciality wines, Spirits (types), Winemaking (wines and wine types) and Wine law (wine law issues).
Barrel cellar above: by Leo Hau on Pixabay
Barrel cellar below: Bassermann-Jordan winery
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freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen