Kalina Barrels

With our barrels, proper preparation is absolutely essential, fundamental, and key. Skipping this step can result in seepage, sweating, or weeping. However, there's no need to worry — over time, these effects will subside, thanks to the dry oak we use. Any spotting on the exterior will eventually disappear, and the aging process of your product will remain completely unaffected.

Commissioning advice for barrels

How should you store and use your new Kalina barrels?

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How to use a new barrel

Our illustrated step-by-step guide to preparing your new Kalina barrel – print it and keep it in the cellar.

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Storing your new barrels safely

Do you need to store a new barrel for a period of time? KALINA COOPERAGE has some tips for successful storage, broken down into four steps:

75–85%

Humidity

Store the barrels in an area with a humidity level of 75% to 85%.

No draughts

Air flow

Eliminate draughts.

14–16 °C

Temperature

Keep the temperature between 14 and 16°C.

24 h

Fresh air

Refresh the ambient air at least every 24 hours to prevent any barrels near air vents from drying out.

⚠ Prevent open joints and resulting leaks

Open joints can be the result of storage conditions (cellar too dry, barrel near an air vent etc.). Avoid them by following the advice below. These ‘open’ joints could also be caused by under-hydration of the barrels. If this is the case, refer to the steps below for commissioning a barrel after it has been stored for more than a month.

Using barrels immediately after receipt

There are two ways of preparing barrels before filling them:

Method 1

Hot water

1Fill the barrel with 20L of hot water (60-80°C) and fit the bung.

2Leave the barrel to stand on its head for two hours.

3Turn the barrel and leave to stand on the other head for two hours.

4Repeat three times.

5Empty the barrel and rinse with clean water. Allow to drain.

Method 2

For container deliveries – in four steps

1Completely fill the barrel and fit the bung.

2Leave the barrel to stand for 48 hours.

3Turn the barrel.

4Allow to drain, then within 24 hours, fill with a wine covered with sufficient active SO2. Check the active SO2 cover level after two weeks of maturation.

Using barrels that have been stored for more than a month

1Fill the entire barrel with cold water.

2Leave the barrel to stand for 48 hours.

3Empty the barrel.

4Rinse the barrel with clean water, allow to drain, then within 24 hours, fill with a wine covered with sufficient active SO2. Check the SO2 cover level after two weeks of maturation.

We recommend keeping the plastic film on the barrels during storage in cellars before their first use. Store the barrels in a cellar with a high humidity level (> 75%) away from draughts.

Final recommendations before filling barrels

✓Do not fill with an overly cold wine (ideally > 14°C).

✓Check that the wine’s CO2 level is not too high (CO2 below 800mg/L). This value needs frequent monitoring as these levels can be much higher after malolactic fermentation. It can be readjusted via external racking or nitrogen degassing.

✓Check that the silicon bung is not pressed too far in. It should be able to come out of the bung hole by itself if the pressure inside the barrel is too high. It is therefore important to regularly check the position of barrel bungs to prevent them from staying open, allowing the wine to oxidise.

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Our Products

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Kalina Cooperage brochure

All our barrel types, sizes, toasting levels and the story of our Zemplén oak – in one brochure.

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225 Liter Bordeaux - Kalina Barrel

225 Liter Bordeaux

Capacity: 225 liters – 59 gallons
Stave Length: 94 cm
Belly Diameter: 70 cm
Head Diameter: 56 cm
Stave Thickness: 27–29 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 50 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 53 kg

228 Liter Burgundy - Kalina Barrel

228 Liter Burgundy

Capacity: 228 liters – 60 gallons
Stave Length: 88 cm
Belly Diameter: 75 cm
Head Diameter: 60 cm
Stave Thickness: 27–29 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 50 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 54 kg

300 Liter Oak Barrel - Kalina Barrel

300-Liter Oak Barrel

Capacity: 300 liters
Stave Length: 100 cm
Belly Diameter: 80 cm
Head Diameter: 64 cm
Stave Thickness: 28–29 mm
Hoops: 8 pcs
Rivets: 16 pcs
Bung Hole: 50 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 63 kg

400 Liter Oak Barrel - Kalina Barrel

400-Liter Oak Barrel

Capacity: 400 liters
Stave Length: 102 cm
Belly Diameter: 90 cm
Head Diameter: 70 cm
Stave Thickness: 30 mm
Hoops: 8 pcs
Rivets: 16 pcs
Bung Hole: 50 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 80 kg

500 Liter Oak Barrel - Kalina Barrel

500-Liter Oak Barrel

Capacity: 500 liters
Stave Length: 104 cm
Belly Diameter: 100 cm
Head Diameter: 82 cm
Stave Thickness: 30-33 mm
Hoops: 8 pcs
Rivets: 16 pcs
Bung Hole: 50 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 90 kg

50 Liter Small Barrel - Kalina Barrel

50-Liter Small Barrel

Capacity: 50 liters – 13 gallons
Stave Length: 50 cm
Head Diameter: 40 cm
Stave Thickness: 23-25 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 40 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 20 kg

100 Liter Barrel - Kalina Barrel

100-Liter Barrel

Capacity: 100 liters – 26 gallons
Stave Length: 65 cm
Belly Diameter: 63 cm
Head Diameter: 50 cm
Stave Thickness: 25-27 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 40 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 32 kg

114 Liter Barrel - Kalina Barrel

114-Liter Barrel

Capacity: 114 liters – 30 gallons
Stave Length: 75 cm
Belly Diameter: 65 cm
Head Diameter: 50 cm
Stave Thickness: 25-27 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 45 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 35 kg

136 Liter Gönci-Type Barrel - Kalina Barrel

136-Liter Gönci-Type Barrel

Capacity: 136 liters – 35 gallons
Stave Length: 68 cm
Belly Diameter: 65 cm
Head Diameter: 56 cm
Stave Thickness: 25-27 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 45 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 45 kg

220 Liter Szerednyei-Type Barrel - Kalina Barrel

220-Liter Szerednyei-Type Barrel

Capacity: 220 liters – 57 gallons
Stave Length: 80 cm
Belly Diameter: 80 cm
Head Diameter: 62 cm
Stave Thickness: 27-30 mm
Hoops: 6 pcs
Rivets: 12 pcs
Bung Hole: 50 mm, conically heat-treated
Weight: 52 kg

Custom sizes

Dimension figures are nominal. Custom sizes and modifications are also possible. Please consult with us.

Current examples:

150 Liter Oak barrel - 39 gal.
200 Liters Oak barrel - 53 gal.

Grooved staves — increases inner surface area.

Toasting levels

For wine:

LTMTMT+HTH – Toasted Heads

For whisky and spirits:

C1C2C3C4

Our “Secret” product line

A Neutral barrel tier. It involves a “Boiling/steaming” treatment. Still in testing phase, it’s opening up promising opportunities and garnering interest. For more information about barrel types, raw materials, and sources, please contact us:

email: kalina@kadarsag.hu
phone: +36 70 3863755 & +36 70 774 8842

Thank You!