Definition

Noun: A cylindrical wooden container, typically made of oak staves bound with metal hoops, specifically designed and used for storing, aging, or transporting wine.

Usage

A "wine barrel" is a specific type of barrel whose primary purpose is related to wine. It is used for fermentation, storage, or aging, which can impart flavors (like oak, vanilla, or spice) to the wine. The term refers to the container itself.

Examples

• The winemaker filled the new wine barrel with the latest vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon.
• The aroma in the cellar comes from the oak wine barrels.
• They repurposed an old wine barrel as a decorative planter.

Advanced Usage

• In winemaking terminology: The size and type of a "wine barrel" (e.g., French oak vs. American oak) are critical factors influencing a wine's final character.
• As a unit of measure: Historically, a "wine barrel" could refer to a specific volume measure for wine, though these standards varied by region.

Variants and Related Words

• Wine cask: A near-synonym, often used interchangeably with "wine barrel," though "cask" can sometimes imply a larger container.
• Barrique: A specific type and size of "wine barrel" originating from Bordeaux, France.
• Oak barrel: A general term for a barrel made of oak, which is the most common material for "wine barrels."

Synonyms

• Cask
• Tun (a very large cask)
• Keg (typically smaller and often used for beer, but sometimes for wine)

Related Phrases

• Barrel-aged: Describes wine that has been matured in a "wine barrel."
  • This is a barrel-aged Chardonnay.
• To barrel / To put in barrel: The act of transferring wine into barrels for aging.
  • The wine will be barreled for 18 months.

Noun

1. a barrel that holds wine