botte

Botte is an Italian term that primarily denotes a large wooden barrel or cask used for storing and aging liquids, most commonly wine or olive oil. A botte is typically constructed from oak or other sturdy woods and composed of staves bound by metal hoops. The size of a botte can vary widely, from household containers to large casks used in commercial wineries. In traditional winemaking, larger casks, often referred to in the plural as botti, are valued for their slow, gradual influence on the wine through controlled oxidation and subtle oak integration. For comparison, smaller oak barrels such as the French barrique (approximately 225 liters) are often used alongside botti to achieve different flavor and texture profiles.

In Italian wine culture, botti have historical and regional significance. Some producers, especially in regions like Tuscany and parts of central Italy, continue to age wines in large botti for extended periods, maintaining a link to traditional methods. The use of botti can contribute oak-derived notes—vanilla, spice, and tannic structure—while preserving the wine’s original fruit character. Modern practices also employ a mix of aging vessels, including stainless steel tanks and smaller oak barrels, to achieve desired styles.

Outside wine, the word botte can refer to any sizable wooden container used for storage of liquids such as oil or water. The plural form botti is common when discussing multiple casks.