Manufacture tonnelière La Grange is located in Murlin, in the Nièvre region, at the heart of the Bertranges forest—renowned for producing some of the finest oak for barrel-making.
“Once upon a time, in a small wooded village in the Nièvre…” The story could have started like a fairy tale, but this one is real—the people, the places, everything truly exists. In 2015, at the initiative of Sylvain Charlois, Manufacture tonnelière La Grange was born. It takes its name from the building where it was established—a former barn that has since been transformed into a place of craftsmanship and excellence. Today, it is more than just a cooperage—it is a true manufacture, embodying all that the term implies: handcrafted barrels made with traditional tools, expert mastery of age-old techniques, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality*.
Authenticity and Character
Manufacture tonnelière La Grange brings together all the essential elements of traditional barrel-making in one place: time-honored craftsmanship, heritage tools, and exceptional-quality oak staves, all dedicated to meeting the expectations of the most demanding winemakers and the most complex wines. The staves used to shape the body of each barrel are sourced from the finest oaks, carefully selected from the Bertranges or Tronçais forests. The oak undergoes a natural aging process that can exceed 36 months of open-air seasoning, reducing unwanted green notes and harsh tannins while unlocking the aromatic precursors that will be enhanced during toasting.
Every step in the production of a Manufacture tonnelière La Grange —from bending to finishing, including the hollowing of staves and toasting—is a showcase of skill and expertise. Each barrel is handcrafted with precision and passion by our coopers, using traditional tools such as the drawknife, adze, cooper’s plane, and heading jointer, ensuring both quality and authenticity.
The Fruit Comes First
Manufacture tonnelière La Grange enhance wines with elegance and subtle sweetness, without overwhelming them. The oak influence remains discreet, as toasting is meticulously controlled to minimize any overpowering smoky or charred notes. Instead, the barrels elevate the wine’s fruit expression, refining its length and complexity with remarkable finesse. As a result, wines aged in La Grange barrels gain in precision, depth, and aromatic purity.
Each La Grange barrel is the outcome of a close collaboration between the cooper and the winemaker. It is unique, just like the wines it helps shape.
*Manufacture tonnelière La Grange was awarded the EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) label in 2024. This state-issued label recognizes rare craftsmanship and reflects the artisanal excellence of local heritage.
Photographies: Christophe Deschanel
