In France we have the privilege of enjoying magnificent forests that 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, mainly 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. Bureau Veritas certifies that only oak of exclusively
French origin is used.
The Sylvain teams have used their in-depth knowledge to identify and map the forest areas and their climate types. Like grapes, oak, even when transformed, is still a living agricultural product that is influenced by its terroir; every forest region has its specific characteristics and it’s essential to know them.
100% French Oak: Bureau Veritas testifies that the origin of the oak trees purchased by the Tonnellerie Sylvain is exclusively French for its ranges Sylvain Sélection, Sylvain Réserve, Sylvain Grande Réserve, Sylvain Blanc, 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 all the way from their purchase to the production of the barrel and it’s delivery to the customer.