Unlocking the Art of Aging
Exploring Our Barrel Program
As the sun shines anew and we welcome spring, we say goodbye to what the valley affectionately calls "cellar season." But before we do, we want to lean into the last few moments of quiet anticipation— a period when the magic of winemaking unfolds behind closed doors. Join us as we delve into the heart of our barrel program, where cooperage and élevage intertwine to create wines of unparalleled complexity and depth.
At Domaine Roy & fils, our commitment to excellence extends to every facet of winemaking, including our meticulously curated barrel program. Our barrel selection process is a testament to our dedication to quality and precision, meant to enhance the unique characteristics of our wines.
The Craft of Barrel Making
Cooperage, the craft of barrel making, is an ancient art that has stood the test of time. Each barrel is meticulously crafted from select oak, chosen for the unique qualities, distinct flavors, and aromas it will impart to the wine it cradles. French oak, with its elegant structure and subtle spice, is just one example of the myriad of options available.
But the journey doesn't end with the selection of oak. Staves are carefully seasoned to enhance their aromatic potential while toasting levels are precisely calibrated to bring out specific flavor profiles. It's a delicate dance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that every barrel is a masterpiece in its own right.
We proudly collaborate with three esteemed French coopers: Ermitage Tonnellerie, François Frères, and Taransaud— each renowned for their craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. These partnerships allow us to access the finest oak barrels, meticulously crafted to our specifications, ensuring that every wine that emerges from our cellars is a true expression of our terroir.
The Art of Aging
Once the barrels are ready, they are ushered into our cellars where élevage begins. Élevage, a term borrowed from the French, refers to the period of aging and maturation during which wine develops its character and complexity. Inside the cool, dim confines of our cellar, the alchemy of winemaking unfolds as wine and oak interact in a harmonious embrace.
During élevage, our winemaking team carefully monitors each barrel, tasting and assessing the progress of the wine within. It's a process that requires patience and intuition as they wait for the perfect moment to intervene— whether it's racking the wine to remove sediment, topping up barrels to prevent oxidation, or simply allowing time for the wine to evolve and mature.
Molly Bailey for Travel Dundee
Our Barrel Program
When it comes to our acclaimed Pinot Noirs, we adhere to a precise formula designed to elevate their inherent elegance and complexity. Our preference for 25% new French oak lends just the right amount of oak influence, allowing the fruit flavors to take center stage. Exclusively utilizing 228L Burgundy barrels from Ermitage Tonnellerie, François Frères, and Taransaud, we ensure that each sip of our Pinot Noir is a harmony of flavors, with subtle oak nuances enhancing rather than overpowering the delicate fruit characteristics.
For our Chardonnay production, we adopt a nuanced approach, recognizing the varietal's inherent versatility and complexity. We artfully blend 500L puncheons with 228L Burgundy barrels, carefully selecting neutral barrels to allow the true essence of the Chardonnay to shine through. Our preference for Taransaud barrels speaks to their precision and delicacy, enhancing the Chardonnay's profile with subtle oak notes that complement its inherent richness and texture.
One of our crown jewels, the Quartz Acorn Vineyard Pinot Noir, receives the exclusive treatment of François Frères barrels, renowned for their unparalleled quality and profound impact on the wine's development. These barrels impart depth and complexity to this Pinot Noir that sets it apart as a true masterpiece of our cellar.
For other esteemed wines like the Iron Filbert Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with the Quartz Acorn Vineyard Chardonnay, we entrust the expertise of Taransaud and Ermitage cooperages. Their barrels play a pivotal role in shaping these wines, contributing layers of complexity and depth that elevate them to new heights of excellence.
Molly Bailey for Travel Dundee
The result of this meticulous attention to detail is wines that speak eloquently of their origins. Each sip reveals layers of flavor, with subtle nuances that reflect the unique interplay between fruit, oak, and time.
As we say goodbye to cellar season, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Book an Iron & Quartz tasting to explore the art of cooperage and élevage and experience the magic that unfolds within our cellars.