In France we have the privilege of enjoying magnificent forests. They are the result of centuries of forestry work initiated by Louis XIV and his prime minister Colbert. This inheritance offers us the finest possible raw material for making the very best barrels for ageing your wines.
Every year, Tonnellerie Sylvain’s Wood Purchasing teams, accompanied by Jean-Luc and Rémi Sylvain, visit the forests. They mainly go to state-owned and managed by the O.N.F. (National Forestry Commission) in accordance with management and sustainable development criteria. Tronçais, Bercé, Blois, Bellème and Senonches forests, to mention but a few, provide a very special quality of wood.
The Sylvain teams have used their in-depth knowledge to identify and map the forest areas and their climate types. Indeed, like grapes, oak, even when transformed, is still a living agricultural product that is influenced by its terroir. Thus, every forest region has its specific characteristics and it’s essential to know them.
Tonnellerie Sylvain is aware of the need to protect the ecosystem on which its
work depends. It supports sustainable forest management and accepts its share of
responsibility. Since 2008, Tonnellerie Sylvain’s entire control chain has complied with PEFC requirements. It guarantees the quality and sustainable management of the forests in terms of biodiversity, management and renewal of species.
With increasing emphasis on a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach, Tonnellerie Sylvain and Sylvain Bois have introduced a “green” waste management policy. All its production waste is recovered by recycling organisations. In addition, 80% of the wood not used for making barrels is set aside to become a new form of energy.
The optimisation of primary “fuel wood” resources helps the region’s companies to be energy-autonomous.
Tonnellerie Sylvain is « PEFC » certified, a European Programme of certified forests. This is a guarantee of the quality and sustainable management of forests, in terms of biodiversity, and renewal of species. Our cooperage wood purchases are only made from organizations that respect these criteria.
100% French Oak: Bureau Veritas testifies that the origin of the oak trees purchased by the Tonnellerie Sylvain is exclusively French. It concernes the ranges: Sylvain Sélection, Sylvain Réserve, Sylvain Grande Réserve, Sylvain Blanc, Sylvain Euphonie, Sylvain Signature, Sylvain Tradition, Sylvain Collection, Sylvain Vinification and Sylvain Biodynamie. This certificate of recognition enables us to relate to the origin of the woods from their purchase to the production of the barrel and it’s delivery to the customer.
