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Oak Barrels
 An oak barrel adds flavor to wine in multiple ways. An oak barrel breathes, allowing small amounts of oxygen to come into contact with the wine as it ages. Each barrel infuses wood tannins into the wine as it ages as well. This infusion produces a slight taste of vanilla and/or butter into the wine.
There have been 3 major woods used in the making of wine barrels for many years: French, Hungarian and American oak. Our barrels are all American oak; the wood comes from the White Oak of Missouri and the barrels are coopered or made into barrels for us in California by the Demptos of Napa Cooperage.
During construction, the partially assembled barrels are placed over a wood fire to char or "toast" the inside of the barrel. Barrels are ordered with light, medium or heavy toasting. Typically, the "toast" decision is made of the basis of grape variety as well as the style of wine to be produced. Our barrels also feature "toasted heads", which means the wooden ends of the barrels are also charred. By toasting the heads, every surface inside the barrel will add flavor to the wine.
Merlot grapes -- and what makes them so special
The Merlot grape has become so popular worldwide that it now competes only with Cabernet Sauvignon as the most planted dark-skinned grape variety in the world. It is very popular in most grape growing regions of the United States, but it is in France where it is the most planted red wine grape.
DNA profiling has provided evidence that Merlot is likely the progeny of Cabernet Franc, as well as the probable half-brother of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Merlot is often described as "smooth, soft and mild" in contrast to the sharpness and bold taste presented by Cabernet Sauvignon. The Bordeaux style Merlot often borders on "herbaceousness".
Merlot is an excellent blending wine, and is typically blended with other Bordeaux grapes such Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. We especially like this traditional blend and have been more than pleased with our award winning Meritage wine, our most popular red wine.
"Meritage" is a trademarked name that is legally available to wineries that agree to join the Meritage Association and that are willing to uphold the high standards and requirements of that association. The Meritage Association was established in 1981 in California to acknowledge American wines made from the traditional Bordeaux blends and to distinguish these wines from varietal wine. New Kent Winery is a proud member of the Meritage Association, which now has more than 1,000 members.
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