There’s nothing more satisfying than the experience of pouring a glass of your very own creation.
The fortified world is one for the patient types, oftentimes waiting up to 3-5 years before enjoying the fruits of their labour.
At Buller Wines we invite you to unleash your inner winemaker, indulge in life’s little luxuries and craft your own blend of fortified in our Buller branded 10 litre French oak barrels.
Whether you prefer gentle aromatics or rich rancio full of flavour - you can create your own style.
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Why use oak?
Oak ageing facilitates a gradual infusion of oxygen, which softly mellows the wine over time. This method enhances the flavour and imparts structural qualities, such as tannins from the wood. Naturally, wines aged longer in oak barrels develop more pronounced oak-derived flavours. Additionally, the extent of oak toasting introduces diverse notes like spices, caramel, and vanilla. This results in a more complex and decadent wine with greater aging potential.
Types of oak
French
French Oak is the preferred choice for ageing premium wines. French Oak is especially favoured for ageing high-quality wines due to its ability to impart subtle flavours and soften mouthfeel. The two main varieties are French Oak, prevalent throughout Europe, and Sessile Oak, which has a finer grain however tends to be a less common option. Some notable characteristics derived from French Oak tend to be vanilla, chocolate, some clove and
spice with silky mouthfeel and more firm tannins.
American
This species flourishes across the Eastern U.S. and is notably abundant in Missouri. American cooperages mainly cater to the Bourbon industry, and due to the high demand, renowned whisky producers like Scotland’s The Macallan have invested in American forests. The distinctive qualities a found in its bold flavour profile, often imparting notes of dill, coconut, and vanilla. In terms of grain size, American White Oak typically features looser grains compared toFrench Oak.
Hungarian
Hungary boasts two principal oak forests that supply the majority of raw material for barrel production: Mecsek and Zemplén.Barrels crafted from Mecsek oak typically impart sweeter notes and a lighter flavour profile than those from Zemplén.The Zemplén forest's rocky, volcanic soil, combined with a colder climate results in slow tree growth and a denser grain. This tight grain allows wines to mature more slowly and evenly in the barrel and is similar to French Oak characteristics.
How to care for your barrel
At Buller Wines, every barrel you purchase is fully seasoned and ready to use from the moment it arrives, ensuring your wine ageing journey starts with ease.
What to do if your barrel dries out and starts leaking?
Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! Here's how to revive it:
- Warm water soak: Simply fill your barrel with warm water and let it soak for 12 hours (don't forget to empty out your fortified first). Repeat this process twice. This allows the wood to swell back to its original size, sealing any leaks and restoring the barrel’s integrity.
- Full submersion: If the leaking persists, you may need to fully submerge the barrel in water for a more thorough soak. This should help the wood regain its form and stop the leaks.
- Still having trouble?: If your barrel continues to leak after trying these steps, don't hesitate to reach out! We’re here to offer expert advice and guide you through the process to ensure your barrel is back to perfect condition.
We recommend having your barrel at least 3/4 full at all times. With proper care, your barrel will continue ageing your wine beautifully for many years to come.
What’s a Solera System, you may ask?
Traditionally, it’s a method of ageing that involves the topping and blending barrels when they get too low with younger content. At Buller Wines, we use a modified version of the Solera System, blending to an average age rather than following the traditional tiered structure. This method allows us to keep individual vintages in their own little parcel and build depth and character in our wines.
By blending wines of different ages before we bottle, we craft a more layered and balanced wine with an intricate mix of youthful vibrancy with mature complexity.