Roger,

In reference to your last paragraph:

They're not toys or inferior, they are just small.
We have so many 225L barrels now that we use a computer program to
track them.
Having said that,
I still have my very first the little 5 gallon barrel. I'm fond of it,
it was a great teacher. I'll never part with it.

Dave Stacy

On 4 Aug 2004 06:14:17 -0700, wrote:

>I would like to thank everyone for their thoughtful replies. I am on
>the fence here, but even though the barrels are tiny and probably
>impractical, they might represent a good learning opportunity for an
>amateur. I am experienced so far only with oak chips, and while I am
>not dissatisfied with the results, I am curious about the next natural
>step in the progression.
>
>The investment, storage, and care of a large barrel are a lot to take
>on with no prior experience. A tiny barrel allows very short usage
>time at first, but if the winemaker understands that, he can manage
>things correctly. Over time, the small barrel would have its flavor
>depleted and would allow longer storage times, and the associated
>micro-oxidation and flavor concentration benefits could potentially be
>experienced.
>
>I realize that to people making a hundred gallons of wine annually,
>these little barrels look like toys. But perhaps they can be viewed as
>a learning step towards something more substantial... just like kits
>lead to juice and eventually to lugs of grapes.
>
>(Plus the darn thing would fit on a shelf!)
>
>Thanks again -
>Roger
>Quinta do Placer