In an oak cask crafted according to industry standards, the two ends are usually not toasted.
Depending on the size of the cask, this means that no less than 20 to 30 per cent of the wood is in contact with the wine. To mitigate certain undesirable elements that may be imparted by this raw wood, Champagne Henri Giraud, the Tonnellerie de Champagne and Sacmi-Defranceschi have worked together to develop cask heads made from a neutral and durable material (Henri Giraud patent). Trials involving barrels of various sizes have been launched, and initial tastings have revealed a distinct character in the Champagne wines. The material selected also allows for selective temperature regulation within each barrel.
