Here’s all you ever wanted to know about oak. Okay! Go!

-The use of oak plays a significant role in winemaking and can have a significant effect on the finished wine- affecting the color, flavor, tannin profile and texture of the wine.

-There are about 400 species of oak, though only about 20 are used in making oak barrels.

-Of the trees that are used, only 5% is suitable for making high grade wine barrels.

French oak is the most preferable because the tighter grain of this type of oak allows for a more gradual introduction of sweet vanilla flavors in the wine.

-The average age of a French oak tree harvested for use in wine barrels is 170 years!

-One French oak barrel could cost upwards of $800-1,000.