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 The unsurpassed quality of BALÁZS COOPERAGE begins
in the forest. Our cooperage is produced of 100% Quercus petraea, sourced exclusively from the
old-growth forests of the Zemplén Mountains
(north of Tokaj) in northeastern Hungary.
Mr. Balázs Nagy, our master cooper, personally
selects every log that is to become cooperage
bearing his name. Only the finest-grained,
healthiest wood makes his cut.
Quercus Petraea of Zemplén
Zemplén’s Quercus petraea (the same species of
oak as French) is the ideal raw material for
premium cooperage. The cool temperatures and
rocky soil of the foothills of northeastern
Hungary slow the growth of oak trees, thereby
making them remarkably tight-grained. The
tighter grains allow for a subtle extraction
that gives winemakers the option of prolonged
barrel aging.
Our barrels made from this oak add complexity,
color, and character to wine, while greatly
enhancing its the palate possibilities, mouth
feel, color, and stability. Delicate tannins and
complimentary flavors that are desirable for
most red wines, and many whites, are provided by
Hungarian oak. However, the effects are not
overpowering and do not mask the flavor of the
grape.
Subtle oak tones, a smooth, round moth feel and
the ability to accentuate natural fruit flavors
of wine are major reasons why Hungarian oak is
becoming more prominent in many winemaking
programs. It is this classic signature of
Hungarian oak that is the hallmark of every
BALÁZS COOPERAGE product.
Hungarian Oak in History
Historically, Hungarian oak has always been
highly sought after for fine cooperage. In fact,
for centuries, French coopers substituted their
oak by Hungarian oak at times of domestic
shortages. This continued until the 1950s, when
political changes in Hungary made it difficult
to export oak. However, since the transition of
Hungary to a Republic during the late 1980s and
due in part to the increasing privatization of
Hungarian forests, some French coopers have
again started using Hungarian oak.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, European
wars created great demand for strong lumber for
shipbuilding, and Hungarian oak was among the
most preferred raw materials for construction of
ships. Unfortunately, this high demand resulted
in a significant depletion of Hungarian oak by
the end of the eighteenth century. This trend
was countered by massive replanting of oak trees
in Hungary. It also resulted in forest
management programs and strict environmental
laws requiring protection and replenishment of
the forests. Hungarian foresters began planting
approximately twice as many trees as they cut
over 200 years ago and they are still following
this practice today. Since it takes
approximately 120 to 150 years to grow a tree of
suitable size for making barrels, and the
protection and replanting of the Hungarian
forests began more than 200 years ago, an
abundant supply of Hungarian oak is assured now
and in the future.
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