I got my first barrel this year, a French Oak 50 litre. I pre-soaked
it to swell the staves and it leaked a lot. I had to run a garden hose
into it all day and over night. I soaked it saturday and sunday and by
monday morning, the leaking was nearly stopped but still leaks about a
half a liter per night. This seems excessive to me. Over a three
month aging, I don't have enough wine to keep it topped up.

Will wine seal the barrel better than water? Is this barrel defective?
Should I just be a little more patient?

Your help is appreciated.

Dan