In a market that is growing more competitive by the day, minimizing risks and full support for the oenologist's work are increasingly important.
This is why Tonelería Nacional has a permanent commitment to research and product development, evaluated and backed scientifically by the most prestigious international research institutes in the industry.

At present, Laboratoire Excell is evaluating French and American oak barrels toasted by the traditional method (open flame – medium toasting) and convection toasted barrels at different temperatures:

• American oak barrels:
  215ºC – 230ºC – 245ºC
• French oak barrels:
  200ºC – 230ºC – 245ºC

These temperature profiles are possible due to the fact that the process is fully controlled and monitored by sophisticated software.

Quality database
At the same time, we are evaluating the development of a quality database for wood to establish a specific mathematical algorithm that will allow us to identify the quality standards typical of Tonelería Nacional, not only physically but also chemically.

In order to continue improving the quality of its raw materials and processes - an intrinsic part of its quality policy and ISO 9001-2000 certification - we requested Laboratoire Excell to inspect and analyze all our shipments of French and American oak, in order to ensure that the wood is totally free of contaminants or contaminant precursors (halo-anisols and halo-phenols).

Each container received is inspected according to a specific protocol, designed and defined by dr. Pascal Châtonnet, scientific director of Laboratoire Excell. Before each wood shipment is processed, samples are taken and sent this French laboratory.
Only after a positive outcome, the wood is received and added to the our stock.
Once the open-air drying process is finished and before the wood is processed and dispatched to customers, a second analysis is carried out.

This new requirement for the suppliers of Tonelería Nacional is due to the current concern of the international wine industry for contamination-related problems, which - usually - originate in the wood.
For this reason, all our customers benefit from this new preventive measure, ensuring the reliability and certification of our products, while preventing risks for the final wine.