The species and origin of the oak wood used to make barrels are key factors that significantly influence the composition of wines.
The vast majority of wineries use French and/or American oak barrels, but in recent years, there has been a growing interest in barrels made from other types of wood. Given that Spain is a major winemaking country, rich in tradition and history, it makes sense to use Spanish oak barrels for aging our wines.
The most common type of oak in Spain is the Rebollo oak, also known as Quercus Pyrenaica. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula, with a forested area covering 1,090,716 hectares.
Its quality has been demonstrated in several oenological studies, which analyzed the release of volatile compounds, the polyphenolic evolution of wines, and sensory analysis. Research has confirmed that Spanish oak is at least as good as French or American oak, with a chemical composition that falls between the two.
Additionally, the production and use of Spanish oak have a highly positive impact on the national economy and contribute to the preservation and management of Spanish oak forests, benefiting the ecosystem. However, Spain’s oak forests are smaller than those in France, making Spanish oak a more exclusive and expensive material, requiring careful management to ensure sustainability.
Thus, Spanish oak is a completely valid option for aging quality wines. Its wood enhances complexity and imparts a distinct personality to the wine.
For this reason, more and more wineries are choosing to use Spanish oak barrels, noting that they provide a unique aromatic elegance and excellent wood-wine interaction, delivering stronger wood notes and sought-after aromas such as roasted coffee, milk coffee, and spices. Wineries also report that Spanish oak barrels contain higher polyphenolic and volatile compound levels and offer a balanced tannin composition.
Having access to different types of oak allows for greater diversification in wine characteristics and provides oenologists with new tools to determine which wood best suits the grape variety and wine style they are producing.
And this is precisely what we strive for at Tonelería Murúa: to offer winemakers alternative ways to create and preserve their wines. Different barrels that we can craft thanks to our expertise and ongoing ability to adapt.
