Barrique is a French word that simply means "barrel" or "cask."
As far as the term's significance within the world of wine, barrique is used to describe a specific designation of oak barrel. Wine calls for different types of barrels and barrique barrels are a specific small size. Notably, "barrique" is synonymous with "Bordeaux" as Bordeaux is where their specific size and shape were cultivated. Barriques are somewhat tall and can store 225 liters.
Misuse of the Term
Because of its longtime association with Bordeaux, "barrique aged" has become a popular, if incorrect, term for wines ages in small barrels in order to market them separately from wines aged in larg casks.
Only Size Matters
"Barrique" is a term used solely for clarifying the capacity of a barrel. It has no relevance to whether the oak cask is new or was used in a previous vintage.
Now it's time to try a barrique aged wine such as Brunello di Montalcino.
