Barrel aging is central to premium wine production in the US. From Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, the barrel program defines the wine's character and represents a significant cost that must be tracked accurately.

Barrel Inventory

Each barrel should be tracked with:

ID: number, barcode, or QR code.
Type: barrique (225L/60 gal), puncheon (500L), hogshead.
Oak source: French (Allier, Tronçais, Nevers), American, Hungarian.
Cooper: manufacturer.
Toast level: light, medium, medium+, heavy.
Purchase date and cost.
Number of uses: 1st, 2nd, 3rd fill.
Status: in use, empty, being repaired, retired.

Content Tracking

For each barrel in use:

Wine: variety, vintage, lot.
Date filled.
Expected removal date.
Last analysis (SO₂, VA).
Tasting notes.

Topping (Ouillage)

Barrels lose 2-5% volume annually through evaporation (the "angel's share"). Regular topping (every 2-4 weeks) prevents oxidation. Each topping should be logged.

Barrel Costs

New French oak barrique: $800-$1,500.
New American oak barrique: $400-$700.
Amortization over 3-5 fills: $160-$500 per use.
Evaporation loss: 5-15 liters/barrel/year.
Labor: racking, topping, monitoring.
Storage: cost per square foot of barrel room.

For a premium Cabernet with 18 months in new French oak, barrel cost can be $3-$5 per bottle.

TTB Records

Federal wine regulations require wineries to maintain detailed records of all wine operations, including barrel aging. According to 27 CFR 24.300-.323, bonded wine premises must document:

Barrel identifiers and contents.
Date wine enters and leaves each barrel.
Volume in gallons or liters.
Any treatments applied (SO₂, fining agents, authorized cellar treatment materials).

These records support the TTB Form 5120.17 (Report of Wine Premises Operations), filed monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on operation size. Records must be retained to substantiate wine labeling, aging claims, and tax obligations.

Cepaos and Barrel Management

Cepaos manages barrel programs with full traceability:

Complete barrel inventory with characteristics.
Fill/empty date tracking.
Automatic aging time calculation per lot.
Topping and racking logs.
Cost per lot including barrel amortization.

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Cepaos: If you'd like to try Cepaos through the founding members program, review the eligibility requirements.