Cooperage Wood (French edition): From the Forest to the Vine and Wine by Jean-Paul Lacroix

In the history of our civilization, the barrel has played an exceptional role. This noble object, made from oak, symbolizes the meeting of two worlds deeply rooted in the human imagination: the forest and the vine, wine and wood. In Bois de Tonnellerie de la forêt à la vigne et au vin, Jean-Paul Lacroix traces the evolution of this complex and ancient craft, from its beginnings to its key role in contemporary winemaking.

Coopering is much more than a simple technique; it is a genuine artisanal skill, where precision is essential to make these barrels both robust and completely watertight. The gestures and processes used by coopers have changed very little over the past two millennia, a testament to a tradition that has endured through the ages.

However, in the mid-20th century, wood seemed destined to disappear, replaced by more modern materials. It was then that scientists, winemakers, coopers, and foresters united in a seemingly lost cause to restore wood to its former glory. They highlighted the incomparable qualities of oak in the winemaking process, contributing to enriching the aromas and structure of wines. Each wine vintage thus finds its echo in an oak vintage, offering tasting enthusiasts a unique sensory experience.

Through this work, Jean-Paul Lacroix emphasizes the importance of wood in the winemaking tradition and demonstrates how collaboration among different stakeholders has revitalized this ancient art. The barrel is not just a simple container; it is an instrument of carefully controlled winemaking, revealing inimitable aromas and flavors.

This richly illustrated book also offers an immersion into oak forests, where it all begins. From the selection of the trees to the precise cutting of the wood, each step is essential to guarantee the final quality of the wine. Bois de Tonnellerie is an essential work for wine and wood enthusiasts, but also for those who wish to understand the subtleties of an ancestral skill still present in the best cellars of the world.

Additional Information:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782914644853
• ISBN: 978-2-914644-85-3
• Publisher: Gerfaut
• Publication Date: 10/18/2006
• Number of Pages: 148
• Dimensions: 24.6 x 30.5 x 1.7 cm
• Weight: 1300 g
• Language: French