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Two Dogs Whine Bourbon Barrel Red Blend: Tradition Meets Innovation

  • Writer: Two Dogs Whine
    Two Dogs Whine
  • May 1
  • 2 min read

At Two Dogs Whine, we believe in honoring the time-tested methods of winemaking while embracing smart, modern techniques that elevate the final product. We are working on our second release of our bourbon barrel red blend—which brings together three classic Bordeaux varieties, a touch of bourbon barrel magic, and six months of careful aging in American oak.



Crafting the Blend

  1. Selecting the Base Wines

    • Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and dark fruit intensity: blackcurrant, blackberry, and firm tannins.

    • Cabernet Franc contributes aromatics and brightness: red cherry, graphite notes, and a touch of bell pepper complexity.

    • Merlot rounds out the blend with supple mouthfeel: plum, dark chocolate, and a velvet finish.

We start by tasting and analyzing samples of each varietal wine. Only barrels showing balance—ripe fruit, solid acidity, and moderate tannins—are chosen. Our target ratio (generally around 50% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc) is fine-tuned through bench trials until the lift of fruit, tannic frame, and aromatic lift are in harmony.


Bourbon Barrel Extract: A Modern Nod to Tradition

Before heading into oak, we introduce a calibrated dose of bourbon barrel extract. Unlike co-packing in ex–bourbon barrels—which can be cost-prohibitive and variable—this food-grade extract delivers consistent notes of:

  • Vanilla and Caramel

  • Smoky Char and Toast

  • Spice: Nutmeg, Clove, and a Whisper of Cinnamon

This step is our forward-thinking twist: it captures that beloved bourbon–barrel signature without the logistical headaches of sourcing and cleaning used whiskey barrels.


Six Months in American Oak

After blending and extract addition, the wine goes into medium-toast American oak barrels. Why American oak?

  • Pronounced Flavor Impact: American oak is higher in lactones, imparting coconut and vanilla more readily.

  • Structural Balance: Its wider grain softens the tannins, complementing our Cabernet backbone without overwhelming subtle Merlot silkiness.

Over six months, we rack the wine twice: once at three months to clarify and again at five months to top off and ensure oxygen management. This regimen preserves freshness while allowing the extract, oak, and grape tannins to knit into one cohesive palate.


Tasting Profile

Upon pouring, expect a deep garnet core with ruby edges. Swirl and you’ll notice:

  • Nose: Rich dark fruit—blackberry and cassis—melding with vanilla bean, toasted coconut, and a hint of smoke.

  • Palate: Plush but firm: ripe plum and black cherry framed by warm baking spices (think nutmeg and clove), all wrapped in a gentle charred oak embrace. Tannins are grippy yet polished, leading to a long, cocoa-flecked finish.

  • Body & Acidity: Full-bodied, with balanced acidity that keeps the wine from feeling heavy or cloying.

We don’t sugarcoat: this is a bold wine. It’s meant for sipping slowly, savoring each layer of flavor.


Serving & Pairing

  • Ideal Temperature: 60–62 °F (15–17 °C).

  • Decanting: Highly recommended for at least 30 minutes to let the oak and extract meld further.

Pair with:

  • Grilled ribeye or spiced lamb chops

  • Aged Gouda or smoked blue cheese

  • Dark chocolate desserts (70% cocoa or higher)


The Finish

Our bourbon barrel red blend is proof that respect for tradition and a willingness to innovate can coexist beautifully. Whether you’re a die-hard purist or an adventurer in the world of wine, this release offers depth, character, and a conversation piece in every glass. Here’s to pushing boundaries—while never forgetting where we came from.

 
 
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