Tonnellerie Rousseau
For over 75 years Tonnellerie Rousseau has been supplying some of the worlds' most reputable wineries with the highest quality oak barrels. The cooperage today is run by brothers Frédéric and Jean-Christophe Rousseau, the third generation continuing their families' legacy of artisan coopering. It is no coincidence that the cooperage trained 10 Best Craftsmen of France (« MOF:”Meilleur Ouvrier de France »), including Julien, Jean-Marie, and Jean-Christophe - grandfather, father, and son.
You can find their full website HERE.
Traditional Range
Started at the end of the 90’s and developed originally with Burgundian winemakers, the goal fo the Traditional Range was to bring more consistency in the oak and toasting profiles. Beyond a single forest, we have thus identified several regions of forests to offer dependable products to our customers year after year. The range is rooted in three barrels; the House Blend HB, the Centre of France blend HBC, and East of France blend HBE. The three options show the versatility of French oak selection, and each are available in the full toasting range.
Expert Range
The Expert Range is characterized by an unique seasoning of woods, and a special toasting developed for these barrels, in order to create moderate oak impact, and a quick integration between the wine and oak. The handpicked French oak selection in this range is ideal for short maturation, between 6 and 10 months. Le Piano®, l’Allegro® and Forte® barrels were introduced in 2004 and have been successful in French and international wineries since then! In 2024 Rousseau added Le Tonic® barrel, adding a Longue Claire (light long) toasting option for this experience-proven portfolio.
Confidential Range
The Confidential range brings to light the oaks grown in the state-owned forests of Tronçais, Bertranges, and Châtillon… These names evoke the most prestigious oak forests of France, and perhaps Europe ! Rousseau has established a special supply chain for these barrels, in order to guarantee their origin.
Due to the scarcity of oaks, the barrels of our Confidential Range are only available in limited amounts and in 228 L.
Exceptional Range
The Exceptional range takes Tonnellerie Rousseau's precision to new heights, focusing on an extra fine grain selection and extended 30 month stave drying. This portfolio is best known by its staple le Video® in it's medium long toasting, but it is also growing in popularity for le Tonic® (Longue Claire) and le Alto® (Medium Plus) versions. This range is intended to be paired with wines with longer aging potential that will see more time in élévage.
Outside France Series
Even though, French oak was Rousseau’s main focus for many years, the Burgundian cooperage started sourcing staves from 3 “exotic” species with very distinct aromatic profiles, to bring originality to the cellar. The cooper offers a selection of fine oak barrels from Acacia, American Oak, as well as European Oak.
