Bouchard Cooperages is lucky to represent Tonnellerie Billon and Tonnellerie Damy, both located in Burgundy, who since their creation have stayed true to the forest and still make single forest barrels solely from the most recognized in France - Jupilles, Allier, Tronçais, Nevers, Bertranges, Cîteaux, Vosges and Jura. 

  

France has over 16.15 million hectares of oak forests and similar to France's varied climate, certain forests have typicities that are true to that specific forest. Similar to how great vineyards have great terroirs, good oak forests for coopering have different soil types, microclimates, forest densities and weather patterns making that forest unique. 

When it comes to France and it’s famous oak forests, the nation can thank Louis XIV. King Louis helped establish strict policies that helped conserve and replenish France’s oak forests for future generations even while the nation’s navy was at war with the rest of Europe. France’s reputation as the best winemaking nation on the planet created a symbiotic relationship with the quality of its’ oak forests used for coopering that soon became recognized internationally.  

Since it’s inception in 1966, l’Office National des Fôrets known as the ONF has ensured that France's oak forests are restored, surveyed, protected and managed adequately. Because the ONF manages France’s more premium oak forests, 80% of all premium French oak destined for winemaking is purchased directly from the ONF. 

Europe is rich in oak forests that span from Spain throughout France, to the tip of Germany and then back down towards Hungary in a “croissant” like shape.