The barrel master

Synopsis

Ralph Martin, a skilled Cooper, emphasizes the importance of good storage for quality wine. He begins the barrel-making process with oak staves, ensuring they are identical and fit together perfectly to create a harmonious shape. It takes around 70 staves to construct a single barrel, which can cost up to five thousand euros. The staves are heated over an open fire, releasing aromas that are absorbed by the wine, allowing for customization based on client preferences, such as a light wine with vanilla notes or a full-bodied coffee-like flavor. To seal the barrels, a mixture of flax and rye flour is used, along with Reed's bullrushes, ensuring durability with untreated natural products. Ralph Martin produces between 70 and 100 barrels annually, serving clients worldwide, from the Rhineland to Chile and South Africa. His craftsmanship is in high demand, and he trains apprentices to continue the tradition of Cooperage.