Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Wheat Used To Make Barrels

dws

By dws
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

dws Contributor
dws
Posted

I was doubting that wine,whiskey,rum,etc. barrels were held together by wheat containing glue as I had heard. The pieces really aren't glued together I thought, so I went to a couple of web sites to see what was what. I found out, much to my horror, that though the staves (planks) are not glued together, when the heads are set into the ends of the barrel, the groove they fit into is coated with a wheat paste. I was wondering if anyone had looked into whether or not this is still common practice. It seems like an alternative material could be used to seal the heads. Cooperage (barrel making) is a time honored tradition and I fear that the wheat is probably still used. Has anyone researched this already? I figured I would check in before going through the trouble of contacting barrel companies myself. Maybe the industry could use a little pressure to make minor change that would mean a lot to some of us.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Chad Sines Rising Star
Chad Sines
Posted

I have no concrete evidence, but I have read that this is outdated and only something that is used in some European producers.

psawyer Proficient
psawyer
Posted

We have heard this many times.

None of the major organizations concerned with gluten list wine as a concern. The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), the Celiac Sprue Association (CSA), the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA)--none of them mention wine as a concern. I am strongly inclined to believe that if this was a real issue, at least one of them would be warning us about it--if not all of them.

Enjoy your oak barrel aged wine. I do.

dws Contributor
dws
Posted
  • Author

I have no concrete evidence, but I have read that this is outdated and only something that is used in some European producers.

Well, maybe it would be worth my time to check in with a few barrel makers just to lay this to rest. Pusser's Rum is something I have been wanting to try again, but I have never gotten any response from them re gluten issues. I wonder if they are one of those European companies that still uses the wheat. A lot of history and tradition behind that Rum. Sure tastes good though.

Mateto Enthusiast
Mateto
Posted

I doubt it. Wine barrels here are just held by plastic and metal. 'Tis all.

psawyer Proficient
psawyer
Posted

Well, maybe it would be worth my time to check in with a few barrel makers just to lay this to rest. Pusser's Rum is something I have been wanting to try again, but I have never gotten any response from them re gluten issues. I wonder if they are one of those European companies that still uses the wheat. A lot of history and tradition behind that Rum. Sure tastes good though.

Go for it. I stand by my statement that if this was a real concern, you would be joined by the groups I mentioned (and others) in raising this as a concern. Until one of them picks up on a worry, barrels will not be on my watch list.

deb445 Rookie
deb445
Posted

I was doubting that wine,whiskey,rum,etc. barrels were held together by wheat containing glue as I had heard. The pieces really aren't glued together I thought, so I went to a couple of web sites to see what was what. I found out, much to my horror, that though the staves (planks) are not glued together, when the heads are set into the ends of the barrel, the groove they fit into is coated with a wheat paste. I was wondering if anyone had looked into whether or not this is still common practice. It seems like an alternative material could be used to seal the heads. Cooperage (barrel making) is a time honored tradition and I fear that the wheat is probably still used. Has anyone researched this already? I figured I would check in before going through the trouble of contacting barrel companies myself. Maybe the industry could use a little pressure to make minor change that would mean a lot to some of us.

I haven't done any major research - from what I recall, new labeling for wine will come into effect (in Canada) this August - and (if I remember correctly) it will include information about how wine is filtered also (e.g. using egg, fish parts). I have receieved some flack from people who claim that I haven't had a gluten reaction to wine - but I dismiss them. There are some wines I avoid, and some that I can consume safely. It's been a matter of trial & error for me, being as sensitive as I am. I know when I've been "hit". If you haven't had a reaction, I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


JNBunnie1 Community Regular
JNBunnie1
Posted

I have said before, I watched an episode of Dirty Jobs, with Mike Rowe, where he visited a cooperage associated with a particular winery, and they were sealing the barrels with wheat paste. This was most definitely in the US. Also most definitely in the past ten years. I do not recall the name of the winery, although I would imagine getting in touch with Discovery they'd be happy to tell us. I will do so and let you all know.

I suppose it's possible this is the only cooperage in the US that still does this. I'm not sure what the probability of that is though.

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

I haven't done any major research - from what I recall, new labeling for wine will come into effect (in Canada) this August - and (if I remember correctly) it will include information about how wine is filtered also (e.g. using egg, fish parts). I have received some flack from people who claim that I haven't had a gluten reaction to wine - but I dismiss them. There are some wines I avoid, and some that I can consume safely. It's been a matter of trial & error for me, being as sensitive as I am. I know when I've been "hit". If you haven't had a reaction, I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy!

That's great that Canada is doing something about revealing the agents used for "fining" the wine. It's about time someone did. There was a story about some French vineyards using cow blood derived proteins to fine their wines a couple years ago. The concern then was possible mad cow disease contamination.

RL2011 Rookie
RL2011
Posted

Here is an interesting read on the subject of gluten in wine. Open Original Shared Link

I suggest reading the replies to this blog also. For disclosure purposes, I drink wine and will continue to do so.

EDIT (added): It is my opinion that wine is safe and I am not suggesting that anyone should be concerned about gluten in wine. It is just interesting to learn...

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

Last summer I stayed at Triple creek Ranch in Montana for a wine weekend which featured St Suprey Vineyards from the Napa Valley. The winemaker, Michael Scholz, was there sharing his wines. I spoke to him at length about this. I was only less than a year into Celiac and had read the same wheat paste arguements. According to him the amount of wheat paste that may be used on oak barrels would not be an issue. The wine makers of the better wines ($10 a bottle and up) fit their barrels together in such a fashion that it is not necessary. He was not aware of the practice in his winery orothers dealing with quality wines. he could not comment on this practice for the lesser expensive wines.

Since this came from the winemaker himslef I take it as truth and have no worries about drinking that wonderful fruit of the vine.

You can find any kind of answer to any kind of question on line. The problem is finding an accurate answer. I figure getting an answer straight from the source is pretty reliable. I feel quite comfortable drinking my wine with no worries about gluten, but everyone has to do what makes them feel best.

dws Contributor
dws
Posted
  • Author

Here is an interesting read on the subject of gluten in wine. Open Original Shared Link

I suggest reading the replies to this blog also. For disclosure purposes, I drink wine and will continue to do so.

EDIT (added): It is my opinion that wine is safe and I am not suggesting that anyone should be concerned about gluten in wine. It is just interesting to learn...

Thanks, that was an interesting read. I stumbled across some previous forum topics about wine and it seems like it may be a concern depending on your level of sensitivity. Has anyone done enough research to know which semi cheap wines are safe? I know the cheaper ones probably never hit a wooden barrel and as long as the fining agents are gluten free, they would probably be ok. Has anyone checked into the whites and blushes from Taylor, Ernest and Julio Gallo or maybe some that are a little more high end. I am generally part of the $10 and under crowd. I would just like to know a brand I can grab at the grocery store without having to worry.
Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

I like Open Original Shared Link

dws Contributor
dws
Posted
  • Author

I like Open Original Shared Link

Does that mean you have checked them out re fining agents and barrels?

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

no. it means I've consumed lots and not yet had a problem :rolleyes:

JNBunnie1 Community Regular
JNBunnie1
Posted

no. it means I've consumed lots and not yet had a problem :rolleyes:

Ya lush....

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

no. it means I've consumed lots and not yet had a problem :rolleyes:

Me too. :rolleyes:

Barefoot, Fresca with a slice of orange on ice is a great summer drink.

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

no. it means I've consumed lots and not yet had a problem :rolleyes:

:P

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. DanteZaffar
      - DanteZaffar replied to MelissaClinPsyD's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      5

      Refractory Coeliac Disease research to reduce anxiety

      Does this require proof of having refractory celiac? I’ve been gluten free for a couple months but still feel miserable but I’m not sure if its refractory celiac disease.
    2. trents
      - trents replied to HeloIP's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      EGD with flatten mucosa

      Welcome to the forum, @HeloIP! There are some other diseases, some medications (NSAIDs, olmesartan) and even some other food protein intolerances (the dairy protein casein) that can cause flattened villi in the duodenum but the most likely cause is celiac disease. Your GI doc may want to run some blood work to check for antibodies that are specific...
    3. HeloIP
      - HeloIP posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      EGD with flatten mucosa

      For years, I’ve had intermittent gut symptoms that included abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating, and gas. I did not have significant diarrhea. A few days ago, I had a EGD that revealed gastritis and mucosal flattening in the duodenum. I’m waiting on the results of the biopsy now. I feel that celiac disease is what has been my problem for years. I’m almost afrai...
    4. Joel K
      - Joel K posted a topic in Meet Up Room
      0

      Caribbean Sailing with Celiac

      Greetings! I would love to get a group going with fellow sailors with celiac disease who would be interested in chartering a sailing yacht down in the Caribbean perhaps a few times a year. Most likely in the US and/or British Virgin Islands, though other islands may also be considered. Doesn't have to be the same people and doesn't have to be only...
    5. Joel K
      - Joel K posted a topic in Board/Forum Technical Help
      0

      Forum Rules

      Greetings! I'd like to post a request for interest in an event I'd like to set up. But before I do, I'm wondering what the rules for posting in the forum are. Is there somewhere on this site where the rules for posting in the forum or in meetup groups are located? Thanks in advance.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      129,492
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Bill M
    Newest Member
    Bill M
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.2k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • DanteZaffar
      Refractory Coeliac Disease research to reduce anxiety

      By DanteZaffar · Posted

      Does this require proof of having refractory celiac? I’ve been gluten free for a couple months but still feel miserable but I’m not sure if its refractory celiac disease.
    • trents
      EGD with flatten mucosa

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @HeloIP! There are some other diseases, some medications (NSAIDs, olmesartan) and even some other food protein intolerances (the dairy protein casein) that can cause flattened villi in the duodenum but the most likely cause is celiac disease. Your GI doc may want to run some blood work to check for antibodies that are specific to celiac disease as a follow-up so, in case he/she does, don't start a gluten-free diet until that blood draw is done.
    • HeloIP
      EGD with flatten mucosa

      By HeloIP · Posted

      For years, I’ve had intermittent gut symptoms that included abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating, and gas. I did not have significant diarrhea. A few days ago, I had a EGD that revealed gastritis and mucosal flattening in the duodenum. I’m waiting on the results of the biopsy now. I feel that celiac disease is what has been my problem for years. I’m almost afraid they’ll tell me the test is negative and then I’ll be right back where I started. Any insights on these findings would be helpful. Thank you.
    • Joel K
      Caribbean Sailing with Celiac

      By Joel K · Posted

      Greetings! I would love to get a group going with fellow sailors with celiac disease who would be interested in chartering a sailing yacht down in the Caribbean perhaps a few times a year.  Most likely in the US and/or British Virgin Islands, though other islands may also be considered.  Doesn't have to be the same people and doesn't have to be only experienced sailors.  But everybody would have to be willing to share in the charter, provisioning, and running expenses, in participating in sailing the yacht, and sharing in the work of living on board for a week or two at a time.  This would be a good opportunity to travel safely, foodwise, as all food on board would be provisioned as gluten free.  Of course, I realize many with celiac disease concurrently have additional food interaction issues and we would have to plan around these as well.  But the main concern and commonality among all hands is celiac disease.  We might have some meals ashore as well, and so planning the restaurants out would certainly be a part of our discussions on the trip. The modern yachts will range from 40 to 60 foot long and we'll have berths for six to ten persons, including myself.  Since chartering is such a big deal in the Caribbean, we will need to reserve a boat well in advance.  So firm committment to the venture would need to take place early once the process begins -- often up to a year in advance.  I will have more details once we get some interest. I am a retired ship captain after 48 years at sea, having sailed also in many traditional and modern schooners and a few yachts.  I last chartered a 52 foot sloop out of Road Town, Tortola, in the BVI in April 2025, and am course certified in ASA-101, 103, & 104.  My USCG Master license for Oceans was finally retired in 2022 and no longer active.  I live in Manchester, New Hampshire and work as a Myoskeletal Alignment Therapist with a clinic in Bedford, NH. If you have any interest in chartering with me, please let me know.
    • Joel K
      Forum Rules

      By Joel K · Posted

      Greetings! I'd like to post a request for interest in an event I'd like to set up.  But before I do, I'm wondering what the rules for posting in the forum are.  Is there somewhere on this site where the rules for posting in the forum or in meetup groups are located? Thanks in advance.
×
×
  • Create New...