5 replies to this topic

[kallmet]

I read everywhere not to put white wine in a barrel that was previously used for reds.
I do have a new small 8 gallon barrel that I am using for some new Chardonnay juice. I do have a bigger, 4 year old, 26 gallon barrel that I used for reds and I have fermenting some Chilean Chardonnay juice that looks very promising.
I just cleaned with soda ash and citric acid my big barrel and I smells nice. I have to make a decision to burn some sulfur in it and dry store it or to use for fermenting further my chardynny.

The water comes clear but I understand that still may change the color of the white wine.
Except color change are there any other negatives. The barrel was used with reds that went thorough ML, that would not be a prob;em for Chardonnay.
I have the right amount of Chardonnay and the barrel is almost neutral. and I can keep it there for more than one year.

I can oak it in batches in the new small 8 gallon barrel but not for long time.
Any suggestions, anyone has done it?
.

Thank you Gilman

[gregorio]

You have pretty much answered your own question. The white will become orangish-pink and ML is likely unstopable.

[kallmet]

Is it worth doing it? I prefer ML in Chardonnay and I can tolerate the color change if the long time on the barrel will improve the taste.

Gilman

[gregorio]

I wouldnt but I'm speaking as a commercial winemaker.

[Calamity Cellars]

A blush chardonnay is not desirable in my opinion but, like Gregorio, I have to sell what I make. It won't hurt the wine so if it is just for you and you don't care then go for it.

[kallmet]

Thank you,
I should not put the white through the barrel used for reds. 26 gallons of blush Chardonnay may be more than I care for so I will stick with the small new barrel and I will alter batches to get some oak.

Thanks Gilman