Know-how

For several years now, the Charlois Group has been commissioning artists to decorate a barrel from the workshops of Manufacture tonnelière La Grange. The idea is to magnify the work of its exceptional cooper craftsmen, while remaining faithful to its policy of supporting contemporary creation.   After Yannick Meziani’s tattooed barrels, Jordane Sag [...]

We recently welcomed Sister Samuelle, an artist from the Charlois group, in Murlin, to discover the group’s activities and meet craftsmen of the Manufacture tonnelière La Grange for an opportunity to share their respective skills. The aim is for Sister Samuelle to one day take one of the coopers’ creations and make it her own. […]

Once received on the Murlin site, the logs were cut into sections. This step was carried out with a two-men chainsaw. This type of chainsaw became widespread in sawmills after the Second World War: one man was placed on the engine side and the second at the other end to guide the blade.   The […]

The Charlois family has always enjoyed a close relationship with the Bertranges forest and its century-old oak trees. It was therefore only natural for the Charlois family to have sourced, for several centuries, high-quality oak staves from this exceptional forest that is now managed by the ONF (National Forest Office). These photographs taken by J [...]

Charlois Group is proud to announce that Oakwood Cooperage has been awarded this year’s Highland Business Award for Global Growth for its outstanding international growth in the used cask market for spirits. The Highland Business Awards are given annually by the Inverness* Chamber of Commerce as part of Highland Business Week. The 12 awards are […]

TheForum Bois Construction, which takes place in Lille at the Grand Palais from April 12 to 14, dedicates its 12th edition to..e edition to the revolution towards bio-based construction and design with a focus on achieving carbon neutrality.   With national and international influence, the Forum Bios Construction has become, over the years, the unm [...]

After production, merrain staves are stacked in 0.5 m3 open-sided pallets to promote air circulation during the maturation process in the open air. Charlois Group stave producers also utilize a second stacking method known as “chimney stacking” (approximately 0.25 m3). This method, which ensures better air circulation and more uniform aging, is res [...]

The majestic oaks of cathedral stands are the result of generations of forestry expertise, centered on the silvicultural technique of regular futaie régulière.practiced for centuries.   Regular stand management involves growing trees of roughly the same age and size on the same plot, progressing through the following stages:six major growth stages: [...]

After being sorted at the log yard, merrain-quality oaks are cut into logs approximately 1.20 meters long as they enter the stave mill Each log is split into several quarters along the grain. This critical step ensures the watertightness of the future staves. The quarters are sawn lengthwise, always along the grain, to the desired […]

Without human intervention, forests would not be able to produce wood in sufficient quantity or quality to meet society’s needs while continuing to thrive. This is why specific forestry practices and management plans must be implemented for each tree species, depending on their intended use.   French merrain oak represents exceptional wood quality, [...]

While metal is now the preferred material for barrel hoops, this has not always been the case. InOutres et tonneaux, Élise Marlière notes that the barrel likely originated during the Iron Age(8th century BCE/1stcentury CE.) alongside advancements in metal tools. Although metal hooping was mastered during this time, it remained uncommon and only bec [...]

In the heart of France, on the banks of the Loire river, stands the famous Sancerre vineyard.   Recognized for its Sauvignon Blanc, the reputation of the wines of Sancerre has been well established for many centuries … In fact, traces of vine culture can be found in Sancerre since Antiquity.   In 582, Grégoire […]