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BACKUP WINE
A pile of French oak cubes spilled onto a wooden surface beside a glass of red wine
Oak

French Oak Cubes (Medium Toast)

The Russ-approved oak. Subtle, vanilla, integrates over 6–8 weeks.

Russ-approvedBest for redsEditor's choice

≈ $14–$16price range

French oak gives wine vanilla, baking spice, and a silkier mouthfeel. Cubes release slower than chips and faster than staves — the sweet spot for most home batches.

Add 1–2 oz per 6 gallons after primary, taste weekly, pull when it's right.

Where to buy

We don't sell this — these links go to retailers who do. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

AmazonPrimary pick$14MoreWine$16Northern Brewer$15

Why we like it

Russ swears French is the only oak worth the money. Todd disagrees.

Who it's for

Premium reds, big Chardonnays, anything you'd compare to a $30 bottle.

What's in the box

  • 4 oz vacuum-sealed bag
  • Medium toast
  • 6–8 week contact
  • Reusable once

Goes well with

A scoop of toasted American oak chips beside a small glass of red wine
Oak$8–$9
Todd-approvedBest for reds

American Oak Chips (Medium-Plus Toast)

The Todd-approved oak. Bolder, coconut, vanilla, fast.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
A French oak spiral resting beside a clean glass carboy
Oak$13–$14
Russ & Todd approvedBeginner top pick

Oak Spirals (French, Medium Toast)

The lazy man's barrel. One spiral, six weeks, integrated oak.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20
Two long Hungarian oak staves laid across a slate surface
Oak$22–$25
Russ-approvedBest for big batches

Hungarian Oak Staves (Heavy Toast)

Bigger format, slower release. The patient winemaker's oak.

See where to buy →priced 2025-11-20