THE SELF-EVIDENCE AND QUINTESSENTIAL NATURE OF FRENCH OAK
The departure point for our quality chain is found in the heart of the oldest forests in the centre of France. These ancient forest estates are managed by France’s Office National des Forêts in compliance with an international sustainability agreement established in 1993. The ONF is the sole body allowed to determine which lots on these estates can be offered for sale each year, in accordance with the growth of the oaks. Trees are chosen one by one by a tiny number of mérrandiers (specialised oak stave producers), who are long-trusted partners of our cooperage.
The quality of French oak is incomparable in terms of the finesse and density of its grain, its sweetness and precious aromatic and chromatic complexity, which are able to enhance the intrinsic aromas of great wines.
The merrains (staves) used in the making of our barrels comply with specifications that are as exhaustive as they are demanding. They undergo numerous inspections from the moment they are chosen by our suppliers to their arrival in our workshops, as well as during their seasoning in the open air.