IQ Barriques-Consumate French Oak Barrels
In 1973 Chateau Montelena fermented Chardonay in stainless steel tanks, racking down to 100 percent one year old French Limousin oak barrels for elevage. The resulting wine won the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris wine tasting. During California's transition to fine wine in the 70's and 80's, Limousin was prevelant. Matched with IQ's unique coopering methods, Limousin is back better then ever offering a flaver profile worthy of your best effort,
The grain from Quercus Rubor
Our barrels start with grain wood selection from Limousin logs. Dried for 36 months in the maritime clmate of Bordeaux, only the best staves are used in barrel construction. Steam bent using ionized water allows the oak to introduce itself into your wine with subtley and finesse. With a choice of ceramic heat toasting or around a traditional no smoke brazier fire, our Limousin oak provides you with a nuanced flavor profile that will elevate your wine above the competition.
In the early eighties, Limousin oak barrels were prevalent with winemakers trying to make a statement with Chardonnay and Cabernet. Fast forward to 2022 we are drawing on that experience to bring you 225L barriques, Hogs Heads and Puncheons designed to frame fruit while making a character statement to blend in as a nuance. Our focus on large format barrels is an ideology of cost-efficiency as well as a more measured infusion of character.
""I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add food." W.C. Fields