FRENCH
SINGLE FOREST
Tonnellerie Ô invites you to explore the complexity of forest terroir. Each year we reserve small quantities of wood from some of the most renowned forests of France and season them four years for winemakers who wish to apply the principles of fine winegrowing to make a more discriminating choice of oak. Our selections consist of the Forêt Domaniale de Bercé, Forêt Domaniale des Bertranges, Forêt Domaniale d’Halatte, Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Palais, Forêt Domaniale de Tronçais and Forêt Domaniale de Darney (Vosges).
Available Toasts: Custom
Specifications
Grain: Fine
Volume: 200L, 225L, 228L, 265L
Stave thickness: 22mm, 27mm
Heading thickness: 22mm, 27mm
Seasoning: 48 months
Forêt Domaniale de Bercé
In the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of France, the Loire Valley, lies perhaps its most beautiful forest: Bercé, also known under the name of the neighboring commune of Jupilles. Centuries of patient stewardship are evident in the majestic stands of giant oaks for barrels that stand above the rest.
Forêt Domaniale des Bertranges
In the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, no forest is better known for cooperage oak than “Les Bertranges.” Beginning with Benedictine monks in the 12th century, trees here have been under cultivation almost as long as the region’s famous vines. While the demand for oak timber as an industrial resource has waned in the modern era, the reputation of Bertranges continues to shine among winemakers as a synonym for quality.
Forêt Domaniale d’Halatte
Just north of Paris in the region of Hauts-de-France and the department of Oise, the forest of Halatte is part of a vast green expanse known as “Le Massif des Trois Forêts.” A royal domaine until the revolution, the forest of Halatte was originally singled out for preservation as a royal hunting ground. Today’s large remaining tracts of old-growth oak forest stand as a testament to the tireless efforts of the French National Office of Forestry, which has nurtured them into one of France’s most prized sources of wood for barrels.
Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Palais
Located in the region of Centre-Val de Loire and the department of Cher in the eastern Loire Valley, this undersized national forest has an outsized reputation among coopers for the quality of its oak. Harvests are light within its tiny confines, but we partner with a family of merrandiers who have worked in the shadow of Saint-Palais for generations to keep us on the short list of coopers with regular access to this exceptional stavewood.
Forêt Domaniale de Tronçais
Thanks to a favorable confluence of geology,
climate and history, Tronçais has acquired a legendary reputation among coopers and winemakers the world over. Blessed with rich soils, ample rainfall and an abundant population of Sessile oak, this rare forest is protected to ensure a plentiful supply of quality timber for quality barrels.
Forêt Domaniale de Darney
Nearly 40 inches of rain every year and fertile soils create the perfect environment for oak to thrive. Every year we set aside the best parcels from the Vosge Department for winemakers looking for oak with distinction.
Ô French Collection
