What are Toast Levels?

Ever wondered what winemakers are referring to when they talk about the “toast” levels on wine barrels?  When winemakers craft their wines, one of the things they select that imparts flavor are the levels of toast.  When the barrel is being constructed the Cooper, barrel-maker, heats the planks of the barrels to curve them into a barrel shape – this is called toasting.  The amount of toast the finished barrel receives impart different aromas and flavors into the finished wines.  Here are a few of our favorite notes toasted barrels impart.