Patrick wrote:

> I think I'm going to enter the world of oak barrels and would like some
> advice on a couple of quick questions.
>
> First, top up reserve. What should I plan on having around for the
> initial batch, and subsequent (in %).
>
> Second, the size I purchase may be driven off of the answer to the
> first question, but I'm torn between 30L (8 gal) and 55L (14.5 gal).
> My preference is the larger, but that's going a little high on my
> preferred volume range (for one varietal, anyway). The question is I
> expect a 30L to provide benefit, but will the 55L be *that* much better
> in the long run regarding length of storage, quality, etc.
>
> thanks for any help.
>
> Patrick

My 120 Liter barrel requires approximately 1/3 bottle a week to keep topped
up.

I would go with the largest barrel.
The smaller the barrel the faster they will contribute oak to your wine -
too fast for small barrels.

Remember also - Keep your pH on the low side. I keep mine at less than 3.5
Also remember that your barrel "breathes" so you need to keep real good
check on your free SO2. You are spending some bucks on a barrel and you
don't want carelessness on your part ruining your barrel so keep it topped
up and monitor free SO2 otherwise you may grow some stuff in there that
will make your barrel useful for a flower pot only.