SERBIAN BARRELS
ABOUT
In recent times, more and more wineries have been using Eastern European Oak barrels for oak aging. This shift towards Eastern European Oak is due to its close resemblance to French Oak, but at a more affordable price.
Winemakers are increasingly choosing Eastern European Oak as a solid alternative because of its distinctive qualities and proven benefits. The wood imparts subtle flavours and adds complexity to the wine. These barrels allow for a controlled release of flavours, enhancing the taste profile and depth of the final product.
A key reason for this preference is its cost-effectiveness. While French Oak is highly valued, it often comes at a high price. Eastern European Oak, however, provides a more budget-friendly option without compromising quality. Winemakers can achieve similar flavour and texture benefits while keeping production costs manageable.
The growing use of Eastern European Oak barrels in winemaking shows that wineries are making practical, economical decisions. This choice allows them to retain the desired oak influence on the wine, optimise resources, and make wine more affordable for consumers.
Overall, the rise in popularity of Eastern European Oak in winemaking shows that quality and affordability can indeed go hand in hand, giving winemakers a cost-effective way to achieve great results in oak aging without sacrificing taste or craftsmanship.
BARRELS
225L, 300L, and 500L Bordeaux style barrels are in stock and available for immediate collection from our storage facility in Paarl.
Barrels in custom sizes ranging from 0.5L to 5000L are available exclusively on pre-order from the cooperage.
| BODY Ø | HEAD Ø | STAVE LENGHT | STAVE TICKNESS | HOOP CIRCLES | WEIGHT | |
| 225L | 69cm | 56cm | 95cm | 27/28cm | 6 | 55kg |
| 300L | 78cm | 64cm | 98cm | 28/29cm | 6 or 8 | 60kg |
| 500L | 95cm | 78cm | 110cm | 30/31cm | 8 | 85kg |
* Our premium 225L Serbian oak barrels are available at a 20% discount. Click here to find more about this offer.
TOASTING
| LIGHT | MEDIUM | HEAVY |
| Mild aromas: Vanilla, coconut, caramel, clove and cinnamon | Toasty aromas: Vanilla, honey, caramel, toast, coffee, cocoa | Sweet roasted flavours: Vanilla, espresso, smoke, crème brûlée, butterscotch, toffee, molasses |
| Mainly white wines and sweet wines | Red and white dry wines | Red dry wines |
Our barrels in stock come with medium toasting (MT).
Other toasting levels can be arranged on pre-order to suit the winemaker’s preferences.
VG-DEGOR COOPERAGE
Step inside VG-DEGOR, a third-generation family-run cooperage nestled in South Serbia, where tradition and craftsmanship come together. Join us for a captivating video tour and witness the art of barrel making, from selecting fine oak to shaping and toasting each cask by hand.See how skilled artisans transform wood into barrels that age the world’s finest wines and spirits. This is more than craft. It's heritage in motion.
DOWNLOADS
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