A historical measure of liquid for wine, usually meaning a barrel or wooden container with locally varying volumes. The term is derived from "Fassbinden" (see also cooper). In today's usage, it means a wine of indeterminate quantity filled in a barrel or tank. In a broader sense, it can also indicate the quality of the wine; wine bottled exclusively in containers (i.e. not in bottles) is usually of lower or simpler quality. However, the term is also generally used for wine containers of all kinds made of various materials. See also lists of different wine containers under barrel types, barrel and wine vessels.
![]()
I have great respect for the scope and quality of the wein.plus encyclopaedia. It is a unique place to go for crisp, sound information on terms from the world of wine.
Dr. Edgar Müller
Dozent, Önologe und Weinbauberater, Bad Kreuznach