Combining our strict wood origin and grain specifications with our patented heated stone toasting technology, Petra enhances the fruit, finesse, and elegance in the finished wine while minimizing the impact of oak.
Innovative Toasting Technology
At the heart of our Petra Collection lies a patented toasting technology, a result of close collaboration between our R&D team and expert geologists.
This sophisticated process is composed of key elements working in harmony :
toast options
Rotating Support
A horizontal axis support gently rotates the barrel during toasting, ensuring a consistent and even exposure across every stave. the result: a perfectly uniform toast profile.
Precision Electric Heating
A powerful, adjustable electric heater produces a controlled stream of heat capable of reaching up to 200°C. This clean energy source ensures exact temperature regulation for longer, gentler toasts. Our four toast options are engineered to target specific aromatic compounds and structural characteristics, ensuring reproducible and optimized barrel performance.
Water Spray System
An integrated misting system softly hydrates the interior of the toasting chamber, maintaining ideal humidity and preventing drying or stress in the wood. This control over moisture is essential for deep, elegant toasts.
Heat Retaining Stones
We carefully select natural stones based on their thermal conductivity representing their unique ability to capture, retain, and gently release heat. These stones stabilize temperature variations during toasting creating long gentle toasts that reveal new layers of flavor and result in greater uniformity and consistency. This process reduces smoky compounds by 20%, allowing the true fruit and terroir to shine through.
Terroir-Driven Toasting
We also offer a personalized option by using stones sourced directly from your own vineyard adding a unique terroir signature to each barrel. Every step of our process is designed with precision and respect for quality, bringing unmatched elegance and authenticity to your wine.
a selection of elements
Natural Stones
Selecting stones innately of the earth for toasting contributes another natural element to our process. Stone offerings currently include lava and natural jade.
Lava stones were selected first for their heat absorption and transmission properties, as well as beauty and form. Through our research, we found natural jade to be another successful option, lending additional elegant characteristics to the finished wine.
Winemaker Notes
from the cellar
Niki Williams
Winemaker, Cakebread CellarsMaison Moussié barrels consistently provide both respectful restraint and impactful nuances that create an elegant frame for our Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux varieties. The Petra Collection introduces unique and refined characteristics to the toast profile, with jade highlighting delicate minerality in our Chardonnay and lava contributing subtle spice and graceful tannins to our red wines.Nick Bernstein
Winemaker, Delille CellarsThe Petra Jade barrels from Maison Moussié are a wonderful addition to one of our favorite Merlots from our Klipsun Vineyard on Red Mountain. The barrel is very respectful to the dark fruited Merlot, adds a layer of texture and helps drive the finish, without feeling heavy.Nic van Aarde
Winemaker, Oldenburg Vineyards, StellenboschI have never used new oak on my Oldenburg Vineyards Stellenbosch Syrah but when my Syrah barrels became too old and my foudres became neutral I felt the need for adding a touch of oak to my wines. The Maison Moussié Petra barrels worked like a charm to bring a hint of subtle oak and spice back into the wine. The barrels respect the fruit on the wine, give pallet weight, and took the wine to the next dimension.Marcelo García
Winemaker, TerraNobleWorking with a Petra 300L Jade-toasted barrel on a granitic Carignan from Maule has been a fantastic experience — preserving fruit, adding complexity, and respecting the wine’s minerality and varietal identity.Valle Lozano
Winemaker, Bodega TesaliaWe’ve worked with Maison Moussié barrels since the beginning. Petra volcanic toast barrels preserve fruit while adding minerality, leading to more complex and elegant wines without losing freshness.Shannon Burger
Assistant Winemaker, Ernie ElsI am using the Harmonie Petra 500L - two first fills for 2025 Grenache noir and for Chenin blanc. I am extremely impressed with the soft, earthy and floral flavors that have integrated into the wines so far, and love the unintrusive tannin and mouthfeel complexity added by the oak. The Harmonie is a fantastic choice for a new barrel where subtle, delicate oak flavors are desired and where you are not wanting to lose the purity of fruit. I look forward to incorporating more of these barrels into our regime.Gonzalo Cárcamo
Winemaker, Viña La RosaThe Petra barrels toasted with lava stone bring a new dimension to the wine's palate and aroma – with notes of graphite, stone, and mineral expression.