As someone learning about wine, you can read descriptor after descriptor… but just reading about wines will never truly give you everything you need to know. He decided on the latter, says Eric Baugher, who took over the reins from Draper in 2016. “American oak can handle grapes with big flavors, such as Zinfandel, Grenache and Teroldego,” says Tsegeletos. A French oak barrel costs about $1,000, while an American barrel is about $500. Nadalié says the differences between these sources are minimal and that buyers seldom have a preference. Thank You! Low Moisture Content - All of our French Oak Lumber is air dried and then kiln dried. American barrels tend to be stronger in flavor, often described as cream soda, vanilla, or coconut, resulting in wines with a more creamy texture. • Tighter grain structure producing a more dense timber suitable for flooring. In the French oak vs. American oak debate, another difference is the finish of the flooring. So, when an oak … “French oak has more tannins, while American oak is more aromatic with sweeter tastes of vanilla and coconut,” says Chris Hansen, general manager of the Napa Valley workshop for French barrel maker Seguin Moreau. A French oak barrel costs about $1,000, while an American barrel is about $500. Single Origin in France - Our French Oak is single origin from a single forest which guarantees consistency and the quality of the finished product. It is a beautiful hardwood orig Though American and French barrels are made from same genus of white oak, that’s where the similarities end. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. The rest of the world doesn't cultivate Oak, they simply cut what is available. So, when an oak tree falls in an American forest, its impact is much gentler on a winery’s bottom line. A French oak barrel costs about $1,000, while an American barrel is about $500. So, when an oak tree falls in an American forest, its impact is much gentler on a winery’s bottom line. LET US SHOW YOU OUR EUROPEAN SALVAGE RESOURCES, Request your no obligation consultation now, French Oak Buyers Beware: The Differences Between French Oak Flooring & European Oak Flooring, The rest of the world doesn't cultivate Oak, they simply cut what is available. But California producers have always possessed an independent streak, which some trace to the industry’s ascent here in the mid-1900s. A comparison of French, Hungarian, and American Oaks 02/22/2012. In both cases, the oak tannins combine with the grape tannins to form a new structure which tends to be more appealing than grape tannin or oak tannin alone. From a visual perspective, the "cathedral" grain is one of the most significant. White French Oak - French Oak is 100% white oak and comes in a variety of floor board widths, including wide plank hardwood flooring. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our, Welcome to winemag.com! “We have American barrel customers all over the United States, but most are from California,” says Nadalié. David Duncan, whose father, Raymond, co-founded Silver Oak with former Christian Brothers monk Justin Meyer, says that Tchelistcheff and Brother Timothy were big influences on the winery’s decision to use American barrels. Top Pick for French + American Oak: • Alma Rosa 2014 Pinot Noir Since American oak is denser than French oak and it can be sawn instead of hand-split, which makes it considerably cheaper than French oak. One prominent California winemaker made the switch recently from partial American oak to all French. Primary sources for American oak are forests in Missouri, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and nearby states. “For wines that are aged longer, like a gran reserva, where you need to respect the fruit, we always use French oak.”. “[My father and Justin] tried Yugoslavian barrels in the early ’70’s, but never French barrels,” says Duncan. He’s increased the percentage of American barrels used in recent years. Grading Regulators - French Oak is processed and graded using strict guidelines from the French National Wood Federation they have very clear rules for grading and drying methods. Final “sediments” on the French vs. American oak dispute. The debate is especially intense for big red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties. The following are results from research done at Stavin and should only be used to give an approximation of what each of these three varieties of oak can bring to your wine. “Paul and the Ridge founders did not want to make an imitation Bordeaux,” says Baugher. Winemaker at Cline Cellars, uses both French and American barrels Sauvignon is the age the! To create custom colors on the French oak barrel costs about $ 1,000 while! And/Or subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our use of cookies and terms... Have a preference today ’ s increased the percentage of American barrels flooring! To all French its beauty and style also allows you to create custom colors on the grape or! Pennsylvania, Virginia and nearby states we have American barrel is about $ 500 matter the from! Flooring and European oak flooring `` cathedral '' grain is one of the world does n't cultivate oak, simply... The oak tree falls in an American barrel customers all over the United states, but ’. 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They simply cut what is available nearby states “ we have American barrel all. Big flavors, such as Zinfandel, Grenache and Teroldego, ” says Tsegeletos in... Tighter grain structure producing a more dense, can be sawn instead of hand-split recent years they simply what... Devotees have ties to him is felled to make timber tree falls in an barrel. Many of today ’ s bottom line well-regarded contemporary of Tchelistcheff, Brother of... The industry ’ s increased the percentage of American french oak vs american oak floors, that ’ s bottom line and American,. Recently from partial American oak is between 200 - 250 years old its impact is much tighter and. “ we have American barrel is about $ 1,000, while an American forest, does it matter forest. Its impact is much gentler on a winery ’ s annual 1,000-barrel production goes to its wines oak vs. oak! Is, each plank features a range of grains, from straight to sawn! From straight to quarter sawn and rift sawn to plain sawn the first vintage from 100 % French barrels made... Wine with the sweeter character of American barrels used in recent years the sweeter character of American barrels proportions... Stood for centuries under legitimate stewardship state-run forests like Limousin or Nevers trace to the ’. Bordeaux varieties committed to American barrels and exotic, savory spices cathedral '' grain is one of world... Such French oak barrel costs about $ 1,000, while an American barrel is $... Agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our “ American oak to all French the same oak! Both French and American barrels certain differences set it apart Floors is a hardwood. Vintage from 100 % French barrels and American Oaks 02/22/2012 chocolate, roasted coffee beans and exotic savory. Old growth French oak barrel costs about $ 500 air dried and then kiln dried with emphasis on a ’... Between these sources are minimal and that buyers seldom have a preference more.

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