In 2007, Jean-Christophe Varron, an epicurean and a cooperage leader for 35 years, invented Éclat- the gourmet French oak barrel. His vision derives from the desire to offer oak contribution that expands a winemaker’s spice box beyond the limitations of fire toasting. Éclat’s proprietary ceramic heating method cooks the shaped staves, providing uniform penetration and caramelizing wood sugars throughout the entirety of the barrel, without smoky characteristics. Jean Christophe describes the effect” akin to baking a cake in an oven instead of placing it on the grill.”

The haute futaie oak is exceptionally fine-grained from predominantly government- managed forests where closely spaced trees are progressively thinned over centuries. Éclat is a tight grain selection where 80% of the staves have growth rings between 1mm - 1.5mm. Committed to natural air-drying, the staves are left out for a minimum of 24 months.

Today Jean Christophe works with his daughter Anouck to bring you their innovative barrels. Use Éclat on your most important lots to highlight the meticulous work you do in the vineyards to produce the highest quality fruit.

Toast Profiles Available:

CRL: ‘Ceramic Radiant Long' toast, 5% fire (bending), 95% ceramic toast

Ceramic Radiant Long barrels are the original expression of the benefits of toasting French oak using ceramic technology. Staves are bent using traditional oak fires and then completely “cooked" using ceramic heat. The original barrel created by Jean Christophe, CRL barrels contribute elegance, structure and mid palette sweetness. Éclat CRL fosters the expression and preservation of your fruit and terroir. Diverse in its application, winemakers have found success on wines from Chardonnay to Cabernet.

FUZION: 50% fire, 50% ceramic toast

This barrel is a blend of traditional brazier toasting and the modern ceramic toasting process. Staves are first bent and toasted using an open fire. Then, midway through the toasting, the cycle is completed by a gentle, in-depth ceramic toasting process. Éclat Fuzion offers an aromatic profile simultaneously oriented toward the sweetness, roundness and respect of the fruit, while developing the classical, well-structured notes of the traditional barrel.

HYDRO: 100% ceramic toast

The ultimate expression of the benefits of Ceramic Radiant technology. The oak staves are steamed for 40 minutes in a chamber with purified water before bending- tannins are washed without risk of contamination. The steam saturated oak is then immediately cooked through via the ceramic process and never exposed to any flames or smoke. There is absolutely no carbonizing of the interior surfaces but a full conversion of the sugars through the stave wood. Fruit characters in your wine are emphasized and preserved with persistence on the palate. ECLAT’s Hydro Ceramic technology won a Vinitech Sifel Innovation Trophy in 2018.