Heritage Barrels Announces Exclusive North American Distribution of Oenotan Sélection, a Pure, French Oak Extract

NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heritage Barrels today announces that it has been named the exclusive North American representative of Oenotan Sélection, the only water-soluble oak extract available for wine and spirits production. This 100 percent organic, preservative-free product enhances red, white and sweet wine, as well as port and dark spirits, by neutralizing “green” flavors, dry tannins from older cooperage and post-fermentation earthy aromas.

“Access to the best tools and methods can set a label apart. Heritage Barrels is the exclusive distributor of Oenotan in North America, bringing a French practice to New World wines. Heritage Barrels represents the rich tradition of Master Coopers and barrel tradesmen.”

Oenotan is made of seasoned, French oak that has been reduced and freeze-dried. It is added to red and white wines during vinification, after pressing and/or at the beginning of aging prior to bottling. Oenotan works particularly well with big red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, and is also added to white wines for structure. Oenotan has been used successfully for more than 50 years around the world and originates from Cognac, France, where it is made by the second largest distiller of cognac in the region, Boinaud.

“Wine and spirit-making is a craft as much as an art,” said John Schilter, managing partner of Heritage Barrels. “Access to the best tools and methods can set a label apart. Heritage Barrels is the exclusive distributor of Oenotan in North America, bringing a French practice to New World wines. Heritage Barrels represents the rich tradition of Master Coopers and barrel tradesmen.”

Heritage Barrels is now the only distributor of Oenotan in North America. North American Managing Partner John Schilter’s experience with wine dates back 20 plus years beginning with a degree in Viticulture and Enology from The University of California Davis, and work harvesting the 1988 crops at Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Pauillac, France. Schilter has had a successful career in wine, which continues with Heritage Barrels, a company established in early 2009.

Heritage Barrels represents Vallaurine, the only Rhone Valley (France) cooper, Giraud of Cognac, France, Heritage American oak barrels specializing in 36 month seasoned American oak, Heritage Hungarian oak barrels made-to-order over small oak fires, and Oenotan.

For more information contact John Schilter at Heritage Barrels ([e-mail]).