Tonnellerie Quintessence is proud to present Hydro-Dynamique, an elegant water-immersed barrel for aging the world’s finest wines.

“This name perfectly embodies the concept of our new barrel, which is centered on using water in motion to extract tannin from French oak,” said Franck Renaudin, directeur général. “Quercus petraea contains up to ten times more tannin than American oak, Quercus alba. Our method reduces oak tannin and prepares the barrel for toasting in a way that will result in a softer mouthfeel.”

During water immersion, Tonnellerie Quintessence continually circulates water to accelerate tannin extraction. The cooperage also uses a water filtration system to maintain an ideal environment for tannin extraction throughout the day.

“We’ve been developing a custom tank over the past year and are very pleased with the results,” said Renaudin. “We are building on the traditional water-bending process to take it to a new level of tannin extraction. The combination of water in motion and constant filtration is proven to accelerate the extraction process and also ensures consistent results barrel to barrel.”

After immersion, each Hydro-Dyamique barrel is then toasted using a special toast that builds on the minimal tannin impact and overall finesse of the barrel, focusing on a creamy, rounded mouthfeel along with fresh fruit, soft spice, minerality and a long finish.

“All of these qualities are well suited to the varietals we designed the barrel for,” explains Renaudin. “Hydro-Dynamique marries well with Pinot Noir and light to medium reds, as well as Chardonnay and certain styles of white wines.”

Tonnellerie Quintessence is known around the world for combining traditional French coopering with state of the art technology. Located just outside of Bordeaux on the road to St. Émilion, Tonnellerie Quintessence crafts traditional French barrels with a commitment to traceability, consistency and customization.