Barrels allow the wine to breathe and absorb flavor and tannins from the wood.
If you are using a used barrel be very careful that the barrel has only had wine in it. If it smells like vinegar or moldy don t use it. The odors of these substances have been absorbed into the wood and there is no way of getting them out. It will ruin your wine. Once you determine your barrel is O.K. to use, fill the barrel with barokleen.