PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK "OAK, WINE & SPIRITS: A TALE OF ALCHEMY" BY ASSOULINE

02 June 2026
2 min.

The publication of the book Oak, Wine & Spirits: A Tale of Alchemy celebrates oak and the craftsmanship it inspires.

The texts are by Thierry Dussard, the photographs by Christophe Deschanel, and the vision driven by Sylvain Charlois. The trio behind Oak in Majesty reunites once again to champion oak, nature, beauty, and excellence.

Conceived as a journey, this book invites readers to discover how oak enhances wines, champagnes, cognacs, rums, whiskies, and bourbons through encounters, conversations, and portraits of the men and women who have chosen oak to reveal the full singularity of their nectars.

From France to Scotland and across the United States, this work explores how each barrel — through its origin, grain, toasting, and history — contributes with remarkable precision to the balance and complexity of great wines and spirits.

Writer Thierry Dussard and photographer Christophe Deschanel traveled alongside us to every region featured in the book, capturing its traditions, places, and people. Their combined perspective sheds light on patient, exacting craftsmanship dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.

With a foreword by chef Alain Ducasse and an afterword by sommelier Éric Beaumard, this book is a journey through oak forests and the artistry of those who know how to reveal their full nobility. It is a lesson in patience, resilience, and craftsmanship.

Our sincere thanks go to all those who contributed to this book, as well as to the teams at Assouline, whose dedication made this publication possible and helped bring to light, with elegance and authenticity, some remarkable stories of alchemy.

Alphonse Mellot – Domaine de la Moussière / Melka Estates / Champagne Marguet / Cognac Martell / Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company / Ardnamurchan Distillery / Rhum Bologne

Photographs © Christophe Deschanel

Discover it now on the Assouline website

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