ECOBARE Oak Barrels

ECOBARE uses Quercus robur and Quercus petraea sourced from the Codrii forests of central Moldova.

The slow-grown, tight-grained oak is split along its natural fibre rather than simply sawn, helping the staves remain watertight while allowing tannins to be released gently during maturation.

Before becoming a barrel, the oak staves are naturally seasoned outdoors for approximately 12 to 24 months.

Rain, sunshine, frost and the changing seasons gradually condition the wood. Only when the moisture level reaches approximately 14–16% are the staves ready for the cooper's bench.

At ECOBARE, nature is given the time to do its work.

Each barrel is traditionally bent over an open fire using oak offcuts.

Different toast levels can be selected according to the desired maturation profile:

Light Toast — vanilla and fresh brioche notes
Medium Toast — caramel and sweet spice
Heavy Toast — cocoa, smoke and roasted coffee

This allows wineries and distilleries to select a barrel profile suited to their wine or spirit maturation requirements.

At ECOBARE's workshop in Scoreni, Moldova, every stave is individually shaped, raised and hooped to fit the barrel it belongs to.

The production process includes stave splitting and dressing, raising the barrel shell, fire bending, toasting, fitting permanent hoops, cutting the croze, fitting the heads, sanding and a final 24-hour water-tightness test.

It is a combination of natural material, fire, experience and the hands of the cooper.

ECOBARE manufactures a wide range of barrel formats, including:

5–10L • 20L • 50L • 100L • 160L • 200L • 225L • 228L • 250L • 300L • 400–500L • 600L • 1,000L

Popular professional formats include:

225L Bordeaux Barrique
228L Burgundy Pièce
200L Spirit Barrel
Hogshead • Puncheon • Demi-Muid

 Intermediate capacities and customized dimensions are also available upon request. 

 🍷 Wineries & Vineyards
🥃 Whisky & Spirit Distilleries
🍺 Craft Beverage Producers
🏨 Restaurants, Hotels & Wine Bars
🎁 Private Labels, Gifts & Display Barrels

Finishing options include brushed, waxed or natural exteriors, galvanized or blackened steel hoops, as well as custom laser branding