For over ten years Tonnellerie Berthomieu has formed part of the only cooperage group whose production chain is entirely integrated, from the management of the oak forests to the finished product. The force of the reputation of the Charlois Group, its intimate knowledge of oak, and its expertise are rare assets.
Established in the Nivernais region, one of the most renowned forests in France for the quality of its oak, Berthomieu’s strength lies in its unique pre-toast steaming method and its selection of wood from the great forests. Thanks to the fact that it has its own stave mills, the cooperage can ensure the perfect regularity of supply in raw materials.
All year long, buyers roam the French forests in search of the finest oak trees that will be used for making the barrels in which fine wines and spirits will be aged. Painstakingly, they evaluate one by one the oaks that have been selected according to a strict management plan, designed to ensure sustainability, forest regeneration and respect for biodiversity.
Following the different stages of selection and manufacture, the staves used for Berthomieu barrels are seasoned naturally in the open air, in yards free of all pollution, for a minimum of 24 months. Each barrel has a guarantee of traceability to determine the duration of maturing and to identify the precise provenance of the wood.
Tonnellerie Berthomieu employs a unique pre-toast steaming technique. This method helps to eliminate any bitter tannins remaining in the wood after ageing. The barrels are steamed, and the pores of the wood are dilated by the steam, allowing the toasting to penetrate more deeply into the wood. Using this steaming method, toasting can be longer and less intense, which better preserves and respects the wine’s original fruit aromas. This original technique demonstrates the real know-how of Tonnellerie Berthomieu.
Vinification intégrale®
Tonnellerie Berthomieu is the exclusive equipment supplier of Vinification Intégrale®.
Tested since 2002, this technique has become a reference and enables the production of wines that are more rounded; with greater volume, fuller bodied, more complex, and with more aromatic precision and silkier finishes.
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