• piano model wine barrel - wooden wine barrel with piano burnt into the wood.
  • wooden wine barrel with silver bands on a white background.
  • various sizes of wooden wine barrels on a white background
  • multiple wine barrels in a shed with silver rings

Rousseau Expert Range French Oak Barrels

Rousseau Expert Range French Oak Barrels

Oak that supports the wine, not the other way round

For wines that spend 6 to 10 months in barrel, the Expert Range gives you the texture and integration of barrel ageing with a moderate oak impact. Rousseau selects the French oak for this range itself. The staves get a unique seasoning, then a toast developed specifically for these barrels, followed by a steam process. The aim is quick integration between wine and oak, without the oak overshadowing the fruit. Choose Expert if you want moderate oak influence and a shorter time in barrel.

The Expert Range models

Each model has one fixed toast. See the toasting guide below for what each toast brings to the wine.

TonicLC
Discreet oak, light phenolics, a fresh and dynamic finish.
Sizes: 225/228L, 300L, 350L, 400L, 450L, 500L, 600L.
PianoML
Authentic, restrained oak impact with enhanced fruitiness.
Sizes: 225/228L, 300L, 350L, 400L, 450L, 500L, 600L.
AllegroM+
Round and sweet.
Sizes: 225/228L, 300L, 350L, 400L, 450L, 500L, 600L.
ForteF
Toasted bread and coffee-mocha character.
Sizes: 225/228L, 300L, 350L, 400L, 450L, 500L, 600L.

Rousseau toasting guide

Five toast levels, listed in Rousseau's order. Traditional, Confidential and Outside France barrels can be ordered in any of them. Expert and Exceptional models each come with one fixed toast.

L Light
Fresh oak aromas, light bitterness, crisp freshness
LC Long Clear
Aromatic neutrality, with respect for grape variety and terroir. Fresh, with a very dynamic finish

ML Medium Long
Brioche, fruity and floral aromas, with roundness

M+ Medium Plus
Roasted aromas, dark fruits and mocha, with sweetness and full body

F High
Powerful toasted aromas, with an intense, straight mid-palate

 Swatch colours are for illustration only.

How to order
Pricing is by quote, tailored to your sizes, toasts and quantities. Select this range, and any others you’re considering, using the button below. Our Blenheim team will prepare your quote.

 

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