Reception of Oak Logs for Stave Production

Following skidding and loading operations, oak logs are transported to Murlin (Maison Charlois) or Saint-Martin-du-Puy (Les Ateliers du Chêne) for sorting and marking.

Upon arrival at the log yard, any logs that do not meet the quality standards for staves (merrain) or railway ties are downgraded to construction timber or “All-Length Wood” (Bois Toutes Longueurs, BTL) for external resale. These logs, marked with a green cross, account for 12% of the oak volume purchased by Groupe Charlois.

The remaining 88% is processed internally: 70% into stave wood (merrain), oak for oenology, and roofing or cladding tiles* (Maison Charlois,.Nièvre Merrain, Les Ateliers du Chêne) and 30% into railway ties (Les Ateliers du Chêne)..

After sorting the logs destined for railway ties, the log yard manager attaches an identification tag in the form of a barcode to each stave-quality (merrain) log. This tag ensures upstream traceability at the stave mill and verifies the forest origins of the logs. It also guarantees the food safety process (HACCP) for future oak barrels through both forward and backward traceability. Additionally, it certifies that the oaks are sourced from sustainably managed forests (PEFC).

Once the logs are clearly identified, they are sorted into stacks based on their origins. To further enhance traceability, logs from specific forest origins are processed on dedicated days at the stave mill.

Before entering the stave mill, the logs are marked according to the dimensions of the future billets, which will be quarter-split along the grain.

*The tiles are marketed by Atrium, created in 2011 by Groupe Charlois.

Visuals © Christophe Deschanel