Francois Freres Oak Barrels
For first fifteen years that I represented Francois Freres the barrels were allocated. I did not have enough. Gradually the cooperage expanded to meet the needs of wineries around the world.
Now we have what I call the "pigs to the trough" system of allocation. This means that many years there are not enough barrels to go around, but for those of you who get your orders in by the beginning of May don't have to worry.
So, if you want what you want when you want, get your orders in. Remember, these things don't just grow on trees...the wood has to be milled, dried, jointed and turned into barrels. Then we have to ship the barrel from Burgundy to the West Coast. None of this happens overnight.
Choices to be made:
Grain Selection
Francois Freres offers the following grain selection choices: Tight Grain (formerly called Allier), Medium Tight Grain (formerly called Bertranges), Noble Grain (formerly called Nevers), Very Tight Grain (formerly called Troncais), & Very Special Grain (formerly called Vosges).
Toast Level
The choices are: Medium, Medium plus, and Heavy. Head toasting is available.
Barrel Styles
Traditionally Francois Freres made just Burgundy shape barrels, but now they make Bordeaux barrels as well. Many wineries in the New World have standardized on one shape. The Bordeaux three year air-dry work very well with Cabernet and Merlot.
Air Drying
Customers have the choice of two year air-dry and three year air-dry.
Not all wood types are available in three year air-dry. Three year air-dry is not always available, so one should check in advance.
Stave Thickness
Usually barrels with export thickness are made but we do have small allocations of Bordeaux thin stave.
Hoops
Normally barrels are shipped 'export' style, ie with galvanized hoops. For an up charge you can get wooden hoops Burgundian style. This does not make the wine taste better but does improve the sightlines for your visitors.
