Stave quality

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 [...]

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 […]

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 To [...]

Throughout the year, Charlois Group buyers travel across French forests in search of the finest oaks to be used in crafting barrels for aging wines and spirits. The Charlois Group is the leading purchaser of oak from the ONF (National Forestry Office), whose sustainable forest management practices prominentlyfeature the regular oak stand silvicultu [...]

The oaks used for cooperage (merrain) are between 150 and 200 years old or older and account for only 1% of the total volume of French wood sold annually. These trees are, therefore, extremely rare.   In France, only the chêne sessile (Quercus petraea), also known as durmast oak) and the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) […]

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, [...]

French oak used in cooperage represents an exceptional quality of wood that meets strict specifications. Oak of merrain quality belongs to the elite of French oaks, accounting for less than 1% of the total volume of wood (all species combined) sold annually in France.  As a result, merrain is an extremely rare raw material that […]