The Pioneer of Oak Alternatives in France
Tonnellerie VINEA is a benchmark for quality in the French Oak industry since the company’s founding in 1994. Owner Jean Christophe Varron is a respected visionary in the world of oenological oak. He has introduced several novel products and won awards for contributions to the cooperage industry. Located in Saint-Germain-de-Lusignan outside of Bordeaux, the cooperage is recognized as a hub of innovation where practical application of technology compliments traditional coopering and toasting of oak. With a focus towards environmentally conscious production (100% of electricity for the Tonnellerie is supplied from solar panels on-site), Tonnellerie VINEA is guided by Jean Christophe and his daughter Anouck Chapuzet-Varron. The family’s commitment to quality Aromoak products is invaluable to winemakers who seek premium oak expression.
A Qualitative Approach...
Oak alternative applications allow you to create, control and recreate the optimal conditions for natural extraction of desirable oak compounds. Aromoak products fit ideally into any winemaker’s qualitative approach to wine maturation. These oak treatments are highly effective, natural, and economical –an average savings of 80% or more when compared to new French Oak barrels. Tonnellerie VINEA selects only tight grain wood for Aromoak products. As with premium French Oak barrels, no shortcuts are taken. Aromoak’s logs are milled precisely for the application. Vinéa is designed to give structure and length to wines and offer winemakers a premium tool for aromatic profiling. All products at Tonnellerie Vinéa are made with 100% solar power and are certified for use in organic wine through the American National Organic program.
The Foundations of Premium Oenological oak
Forest origin: All French Oak is consistently selected and sourced from the great center of France forests: Jupilles, Loche, Berce’ and Chateauroux.
Seasoning: Naturally air-dried and guaranteed 36 months minimum. This optimal seasoning without irrigation is an essential step to minimize harshness while developing and focusing desired flavors.
Toasting: Aromoak offers a range of dynamic toasts: classic Brasero Fire, Ceramic Radiant and Hydro Ceramic.
Vinéa has over 1,000 clients in France. These winemakers believe that Vinea oak alternatives are the closest they can get to reproducing the characteristics of a classic French barrel.
Please contact us for samples for bench trials.
“Our winery began working with Vinea’s oak inserts perhaps a decade ago, initially attracted by the wood selection, aging, and fire-toasting regimes they employ. The medium fire-toast inserts were our favorite early on, with forward spice notes and firm structure, but with time we have found benefits in mixing toast profiles in a single insert. This also allows us to tailor profiles to different varietals. The Boswell Company has been very flexible and supportive in creating these custom mixtures, and the result has been greater complexity in the wines. Especially at the lower stave count, Vinea inserts are quite cost-effective, and still deliver more wood impact than many of our new barrel selections, without ever seeming harsh or artificial. I feel that on the whole, the lineup from Vinea gives a wide range of style choices, has shown consistent quality over the years, and offers really good value.
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