Barrel Aging

Make Great Wine Even Better!

Oak barrel aging can improve the quality of your wine. Oak’s delicate vanilla scent and complex toastiness enhances the fruit flavours and aromas already present. In addition, even a short time in a barrel can mature a wine faster than a longer period of time in a regular carboy. Oak barrel aging can turn an average wine into a prizewinner and is often a common denominator in wines that reach beyond the ordinary.

Commonly, only full-bodied red wines and richly flavoured whites (such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) are used for Barrel Aging. To a red, it gives a softness and complexity that adds great character. For some whites, it can increase aromatic qualities that make the wine truly special. The natural process of evaporation allows the wine to concentrate its flavor and aroma. As well, small amounts of oxygen are allowed to pass through the barrel and acts as a softening agent upon the tannins of the wine.

Just Fine Wine offers select varieties for Barrel Aging, available systematically throughout the year ~ typically every two to three months. The program is open to anyone and is especially popular with true wine lovers. The wines selected for the program are of the top caliber and the process is an additional $50 per batch (23 Litres). Availability is limited and space fills up quickly, so be sure to inquire about reserving yours today.

Now Taking Reservations For:

    • Winexpert Reserve French Vieux Château du Roi
      • From Veneto, Italy comes Winexpert Private Reserve Italian Amarone is a spectacular partnership of grape varietals and includes grape skins for added depth. Deep ruby colour with rich aromas of dark fruit and spice combined with layers of cherry, plum, mocha, dried fruit flavours, warm oak and a firm, lingering finish. Known as Italy’s most powerful wine, it is renowned as a full-bodied, rich wine that achieves intensity from the unique process of partially drying the grapes before fermentation. Commercially, Amarone starts at about $50 a bottle!
    • Winexpert Private Reserve Napa Valley Stag’s Leap Merlot w/Grape Skins
      •  Light warm oak accentuates a savoury, spicy aroma with a soft, supple and fruity palate of juicy plums and red berries. Smooth tannins and rich, round flavour provides a lush, polished texture as well as an elegant lingering finish. Harvested from the highly regarded Stag’s Leap District on the valley’s east bench, this Merlot is dry and heavy-bodied. Our best selling red wine on an annual basis, Stag’s Leap Merlot often retails for $40+ per bottle in liquor and wine stores.
    • Winexpert Private Reserve Italian Colosso (Sangiovese Primitivo) w/Grape Skins
      • ‘Colosso’ is Italian for colossus, and speaks to the powerful profile of this big Italian red! Savour rich berry flavours, bold sweet spice, and nuanced notes of licorice and dried herb, backed by big, velvety tannin. Winexpert Private Reserve Colosso masterfully blends Italian favourites Sangiovese and Primitivo with a touch of Nerello, one of the country’s hidden gems,  giving you a larger-than-life Italian red you’re guaranteed to love.
    • LE23 French Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (Only 2 Batches Remaining!)
      • This White Bordeaux style wine is a classic French blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and grassy aromas lead to a gorgeous palate with refreshing grapefruit and lemon/lime flavours. Gooseberry, passionfruit, and green apple notes come through, hinting at honeysuckle and lemon peel. Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the vibrant acidity and prominent citrus flavours of this crisp dry white.