Update Dec. 9: I’ve made a couple corrections per request by François Frères.

Vinoscenti spend a lot of time debating the minutiae of varietals, vintages and vineyards, but what about the scrutinizing the whole package? I am of course referring to the barrels that wines are typically aged in, handcrafted vessels used by France’s prolific wine industry to add and mellow flavors as a wine matures.

One rainy afternoon, we headed to François Frères Tonnellerie, a cooperage founded by Joseph François in 1910 and celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The tonnellerie is currently managed by 4th generation family members, and works with a number of prominent Burgundy and international winemakers. Daily production is now 140-160 barrels a day (compared to two per day in 1910), with an annual production of about 40.000 barrels and gross sales of €2,4 million!
Continue reading Barrels of Fun: François Frères Tonnellerie →