FROM JANUARY 1, 2021 WE ANALYZE AND GUARANTEE THAT 100% OF OUR BARRELS ARE FREE OF ANY DETECTABLE TCA* AT THE COMPLETION OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Our latest innovation comes as a response to an often-neglected issue which can nevertheless pose a serious threat to the final product and to the trust between producers and consumers; the presence of Haloanisole molecules (TeCA, TCA, PCA, TBA), but also their precursors HaloPhenols (TeCP, TCP, PCP, TBP) in barrels.
These particular molecules are responsible for the much maligned «cork taint» which compromises the integrity of a wine. Most often attributed to a contaminated cork itself, the molecules can also be transported in cellar environments or manufacturing workshops, by water and cleaning products, and also directly by the source wood used in barrel making.
In fact, it has been shown that TCA and TeCA, the main molecules responsible for “cork taint”, can be found naturally in the form of “spots” of only a few millimeters in diameter in oak trees. Thus, a micro trace of TCA on a single stave can contaminate an entire barrel of wine. In the world of great wines, it is a risk that no producer can afford.
A DRASTIC PREVENTION AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
To meet the expectations of its customers and provide them with flawless barrels, we have implemented a drastic prevention protocol, in cooperation with the LEC laboratory based in Cognac; after pressure checking the barrel, sensors are placed inside the barrel. In just two minutes, all the moist air remaining in the barrel is passed over sensors that have the ability to trap HA -HP molecules. Within 24 hours, the laboratory analysis is returned indicating whether the barrel is healthy or contaminated. In the event of contamination, the barrel is discarded.
Fully operational since 2016, the process has been gradually extended to our entire production (around 15.000 barrels per year for 1.800 customers). From January 1, 2021, Tonnellerie Baron guarantees that 100% of its barrels are free of any detectable TCA and TCP at the completion of the production process – a service which is now systematically provided free of charge to all our customers.
* Detection thresholds of our lab partner are available upon request