Our Advices
Vats


Preparation for the first use of tank or cask and storage

·    Stockage

In a case the tank or the cask has to be stored before its final installation, it is essential that the location be prepared as follows:

            Maximum temperature 68°F ( 20°C ).
            Atmospheric humidity between 80% and 85%.

If the area of storage is arid, then the atmospheric humidity in the room must be increased by sprinkling water on the floor. Our tanks and casks are delivered wrapped in plastic film. Do not remove or open this protective film before positioning the tank or the cask.

·    Installation

1 - Fill the tank or the cask with water:  

Operation to be performed several times over 4 days:

            Pour water to a depth of 4 inches ( 10 cm ) into the bottom of the vessel,
            Wait for 24 hours,
           Complete filling in three stages, leaving the vessel to stand for 24 hours between each stage.

For tanks intended to contain wine, the top of the vessel also requires humidifying:  

Fill halfway with water, wait for the end to be sealed and then complete filling to the maximum level.

If you are using a hydraulic bung:
You do not put more than 2 inches ( 5 cm ) of liquid into the bowl; this will prevent the tank from being subjected to overpressure on the first filling.

2 – Leave the water to stand

Once the container is sealed, the water must be left to stand for at least 10 days in order to "allow the wood to settle". In order for the water not to go off, SO2 should be added to the water in accordance with the proportions given to you by your wine expert. We recommend a dosage of 3 grams of SO2 solution per hectolitre. Ensure that the water remains "sweet". If the water acquires a poor taste, then change it.  

Before emptying the tank or cask, inspect it to ensure that it is sealed. Leave the tank for 10 days, then empty it, and clean it by rinsing.

3 – Rinsing out the tank or cask:

Using a brush, clean the inner walls (sides and the two ends) in order to remove any impurities. (Do not use a high-pressure cleaner, this would damage the grain of the wood).

4 – Sponge and leave to air-dry  :

Now the container is ready to receive its first wine or brandy.

Recommendations:

During wine-gathering periods, we advise that one alcoholic fermentation process should be performed in order to avoid any leaks. 
Upon first use of the tank or cask, it is also advisable to place clear, filtered wines in the container rather than using them for storage of raw wines.


Maintenance of tanks and casks

  In order to ensure a long service life for tanks and casks, it is preferable to leave them constantly full. After each draining, the container should immediately be refilled.  
  After draining of any tank or cask, do not forget to rinse out the container with clear water and leave it to air-dry before it is immediately refilled.  
  We recommend atmospheric humidity of 80 % inside wine & spirits warehouses, and a temperature of 62°F ±2 ( 17°C ). For this purpose, we would strongly advise you to make regular use of a room already accommodating wood containers, a thermometer and a hygrometer (regularly checked) for monitoring these 2 criteria.

If you are not able to perform filling immediately, then you should:

Open all cocks and hatches,
Using a fan, ventilate the tank or cask for 3 or 4 days to extract the maximum humidity and
  prevent mildew from developing.  
Carefully close the tank or cask,  
Fumigate the tank or cask to the level of five grams of sulphur per hectolitre, for the first   fumigation,  
Then maintain fumigation once a month to the level of 2 grams per hectolitre, and during this   fumigation, perform:

          Visual inspection for any signs of mildew (do not forget to pay attention to the upper part of the container and the cross-groove),
           Olfactory inspection to check for any bad smells,
          Clean and ventilate before re-fumigation with sulphur.

·      De-scaling of tanks & casks

Old scale

  Knock off the scale with a hammer,
  Brush and then rinse.


New scale

  Fill the tank with water and leave it filled for a week,
  Brush off the scale and then rinse.

Recommendations: In order to limit the occurrence of scale, brush the inside of the tank or cask after each draining.

·   External maintenance

Varnish-finished tank 
   Every two or three years, brush a coat of varnish* over the sides and upper end of the tank, after previously cleaning them with soapy water and rinsing off with clean water.
  Brush a coat of paint* over the hoops.  
* We will be happy to recommend to you the type of product to be used

Inspection of chocking 
  Look underneath the tank to ensure that the barrel chocks and the seatings are in good condition, re-chock if necessary.  
Caution:  Never chock between the barrel chocks and the barrel's bottom pane.