Chinese oak in Rioja barrels

Toneleria Magrenan is a Spanish cooper in the Rioja. They have started a collaboration with a Chinese supplier of wood from Mongolia (quercus mongolicus oak). They are making a first batch of 40 000 barrels that should be available sometimes this year. More than 20 winemakers are involved in the initial test (40 000 barriques means a lot of wine…), amongst those Miguel Torres. According to our information, the objective is not to get cheaper barrels (they cost about the same as French ones) but to get a different taste profile compared to French or American oak.